HISTOBY
A
07
SWARTHMOHE
COLLEGE
By
WILLIAM
I,
Voliame
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HISTORY
A
OF
SWARTHMORE
WiLUAlt
COLLEGE
11
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Volume
I
i
O r i g i n and. F o u n d i n g , 1 8 5 0 - 1869
Volume
II
j
T h e First G e n e r a t i o n , 1 8 6 9 - 1 9 0 2
DEDICATED
TO
MARTHA
THE-
ELLICOTT
MEMORY
OP
TYSOU
AHD
BENJAMIN
FIRST
OF
THE
HALLOWELL
FOUNDERS
SWARTHMORE
i j ^ f ^ j x j i ,
OF
COLLEGE
QsOJXTi^jQst
C O N ®
E N D S
%
Sources of Information
List of Illustrations
(fru^c^
-
Chapter I .
T h e O r i g i n of Swarthmore C o l l e g e , 1850-59
—•
—
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~
—
-
~~
-
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-
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The Baltimore P l a n
M a r t h a E . T y s o n a n d Benjamin H a l l o w e l l
T h e A p p e a l to P h i l a d e l p h i a
L u c r e t i a Mott and. D e b o r a h F . W h a r t o n
Chapter I I . The F o u n d i n g of Swarthmore C o l l e g e , 1 8 6 0 - 6 4
^ ,
i> - - / ' '
Baltimore's Initiative
Philadelphia a n d N e w Y o r k C o o p e r a t e .
Edward P a r r i s h
The C i v i l W a x Intervenes
Other Obstacles A r i s e
The P r o j e c t R e v i v e d by P h i l a d e l p h i a , 1862
The Conference M e t h o d
Friends' Educational Association
The First B o a r d of M a n a g e r s , 1862
The Financial P r o b l e m
.
A Local H a b i t a t i o n a n d a N a m e , 1863
C o n s t i t u t i o n s ^ 1863 a n d 1865^ a n d C h a r t e r ^ l 8 6 4 a n d 1 8 7 0 ) . .
Chapter III.The B u i l d i n g of Swarthmore C o l l e g e , 1864-69
B u i l d i n g P l a n s a n d Curriculum
.
The First P r e s i d e n t , 1865
,C ./ ?
The Financial Struggle
A d v e r t i s i n g the Campus
The Farm a n d Building P l a n s
Selecting the First F a c u l t y
T h e F i r s t B u i l d i n g B e g i n s , 1866
V l^ufWi -if>.|l
^II .iT~f, f mn rtj,
"735—-
II 1 ~
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The Corner-Stone L a i d , M a y 1 0 , 1866
Difficult P r o g r e s s , 1866
S a m e l W i l l e t s a n d J o s e p h Wharton
Edward H . M a g i l l a n d H e l e n G . L o n g s t r e t h
Increasing D i f f i c u l t i e s , 1867-68
The Crisis Safely P a s s e d , 1869
Chapter I V .
The O p e n i n g of Swarthmore C o l l e g e , N o v e m b e r 10,1869 . . . .
The Faculty a n d P r o f e s s o r Magill*s E d u c a t i o n a l Ideals . . .
The First P r o s p e c t u s
R e c e p t i o n of the F i r s t Students
"The Inauguration" a n d P r e s i d e n t P a r r i s h ' s E d u c a t i o n a l
Ideals
Chapter
V.
The B e q u e s t to P o s t e r i t y
"The P r i n c i p l e s of the Pounders" a n d their A p p l i c a t i o n
Appendices
1.
P h i l a d e l p h i a ' s J o i n t Committee on E d u c a t i o n , 1 8 5 0 . . . .
2.
Signers of the "Joint A d d r e s s " , 1 8 6 0
3.
P h i l a d e l p h i a ' s Subscription C o m m i t t e e , 1 8 6 1 .
4.
P h i l a d e l p h i a ' s "Committee on the Concern for the Establishment of a F r i e n d s ' Boarding S c h o o l " , 1 8 6 2 . . . .
5 . Subscription a n d Conference C o m m i t t e e s , 1865-69 . . . .
SOURCES
OF
I INFORMATION
B a l t i m o r e M o n t h l y , Q u a r t e r l y a n d Y e a r l y M e e t i n g M i n u t e s , 1 3 5 0 - 62
( M a n u s c r i p t , a n d in t h e p r i n t e d ^ E x t r a c t g * ) .
B a l t i m o r e Joint C o m m i t t e e ' s
1854 (Friends' Intelligencer, XI,457,473).
P h i l a d e l p h i a Y e a r l y M e e t i n g M i n u t e s , 1838 - 62 ( M a n u s c r i p t , a n d in the p r i n t e d
1
"Extracts *-).
Cain (Pa.) Q u a r t e r l y M e e t i n g M i n u t e s , 1 8 5 0
(Manuscript).
N e w Y o r k Y e a r l y M e e t i n g M i n u t e s ( M a n u s c r i p t , and. in the p r i n t e d ^ E x t r a c t ^ 1 8 5 1 - 6 2 ) .
The Friends' Intelligencer, Vols.^pt (1854)
(1869), •passim.
L e t t e r s ( M a n u s c r i p t ) from: I s a b e l l a T y s o n , L u c y T y s o n F i t z h u g h , B e n j a m i n H a l l o w e l l ,
M a r g a r e t E . H a l l o w e l l , B e n j a m i n Hallovrell, J r . , S a m u e l M . J a n n e y , C o r n e l i a
Janney, Edward Parrish, Edward H . Magill, John G . Haviland.
Benjamin Hallowell's "Address", 1860
(Manuscript).
" P r o c e e d i n g s in B a l t i m o r e , Philadelphia, a n d N e w Y o r k " , 1 8 6 0 - 62 ( M a n u s c r i p t , 38
pages).
J o i n t ^ A d d r e s s f , 1 8 6 0 - 61 ( P a m p h l e t , 1 8 6 1 ) .
T h e gQonstitutioift-, 1 8 6 2 ( 2 ) , 1 3 6 5 . (Printed l e a f l e t a n d p a m p h l e t s ) .
B o a r d of M a n a g e r s ' " M i n u t e - B o o k , " 1 8 6 2 - 6 9 , ( M a n u s c r i p t , 87 p a g e s ) .
" M i n u t e s of the C o r p o r a t i o n of S w a r t h m o r e C o l l e g e " , 1864- - 69 ( M a n u s c r i p t , 3 2 p a g e s ,
a n d p r i n t e d Proceedings'*").
T h e B o a r d ' s ^Address**, 1863
8
The Board's ^ i r c u l a T ^
(Pamphlet).
1863
(Leaflet).
^Charter of S w a r t h m o r e C o l l e g i a
^ • S p e c i f i c a t i o n s ^ for
M
•, ,
1 3 6 4 (Leaflet a n d P a m p h l e t ) .
J
S w a r t h m o r e C o l l e g e B u i l d i n g . 1866 ( P a m p h l e t )
( h f a * : s f - 7 S ^ v w v C ^ f e c " , //fiL
1)fU
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t, r
& P r o c e e d i n g s on the O c c a s i o n of L a y i n g the C o r n e r - S t o n e .-L*.
T.865
(Pamphlet).
01
^ B j - L a w s for the B o a r d a n d F a c u l t y ; 1 8 6 7 ( L e a f l e t ) .
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" S u b s c r i p t i o n C o m m i t t e e ' s M i n u t e s " , 1868 ( M a n u s c r i p t ) .
d i s t r i c t C o u r t , 1 8 6 8 : T h o m a s S e a b r o o k e v s . S w a r t h m o r e College*- ( P a m p h l e t ) .
) ^v-trtc.
'
_
2
^ P r o s p e c t u s of Swarthmore College^* 1869
^ E x a m i n a t i o n Papers*-, 1869
(pamphlet)
(Leaflets)
• P r o c e e d i n g s on the Inauguration of Swarthmore College?** 1869
(Pamphlet)
Samuel b i l l e t s ' s R e c o r d - h o o k a n d L i s t s of N e w Y o r k Contributors
(Manuscript).
Clement M . Biddle's R e c o r d - b o o k a n d L i s t s of P h i l a d e l p h i a Contributors
(Manuscript).
Edward P a r r i s h , ^ E s s a y on E d u c a t i o n in_ the Society of F r i e n d ^ , 1 8 6 5 a n d 1 8 6 6 .
5
Edward H . M a g i l l , ^ i x t y - f i v e Y e a r s in the L i f e of a Teachei ^- 1 9 0 7 .
B e n j a m i n H a l l o w e l l , ^Autobiography*-, 1 8 8 3 .
Samuel M . J a n n e y , '^temoirsF', 1 8 8 1 .
Anna, Davis H a l l o w e l l , '"'James and L u c r e t i a Mott'fc, 1 8 9 6 .
W i l l i a m P r o c t e r , J r . , M e m o r i a l of E d w a r d Parrisl?^, 1 8 7 3 .
M a l c o l m V a n V e c h t e n Tysoxf^.^Grenealogy of the - - - Tyson Family"
VI. L . K . , ^Saiuael j i l l e t s , a Meraoii*, 1 8 8 3 .
T h e Delaware County (Pa.) R e p u b l i c a n , 1 8 6 1 .
The P h i l a d e l p h i a P r e s s , 1 8 6 7 .
(Manuscript).
*
ILLUSTRATIONS
Page
(Prom a n a e r i a l p h o t o g r a p h )
Martha Ellicott Tyson, about 1850
(From a n o i l p o r t r a i t in p o s s e s s i o n of h e r g r a n d d a u g h t e r , A l i c e
Tyson, Sandy Spring, M d . )
.**. A w n - ) ) i f*T>
Lombard Street Meeting-House, Baltimore
(From a p h o t o g r a p h )
Baltimore Quarterly Meeting
(From a p h o t o g r a p h o f C h a r l e s Y a r d l e y T u r n e r ' s p a i n t i n g in
p o s s e s s i o n of P a r k A v e n u e M e e t i n g , B a l t i m o r e )
-Bai1;±inore- Y e a r i y M e e t i n g * 8
u
1
2
6
A d d r e s s " , 1853
12
Baltimore Yearly Meeting's "Report", 1854
16
Benjamin H a l l o w e l l , at the a g e of thirty-eight
26
(From a n oil portrait b y James E a c h u s , A l e x a n d r i a , 7 a . ; in
possession of his granddaughter, Eliza Hallowell Chichester, 01ney,Md.)
Samuel M . Janney
(From a p h o t o g r a p h )
.
28
John G . Whittier
(From a n oil p o r t r a i t b y C a r o l i n e v a n H e l d e n ; in W h i t t i e r H o u s e ,
Swarthmore College)
30
R a c e Street Meeting-House, P h i l a d e l p h i a , 1856
(From a n e n g r a v i n g , the F r o n t i s p i e c e in E z r a M i c h e n e r ' s
s p e c t of E a r l y Q u a k e r i s m " , P h i l a d e l p h i a , 1 8 6 0 )
32
"Retro-
L u c r e t i a M o t t , a t t h e a g e of a b o u t f i f t y
(From a p o r t r a i t in p a s t e l in p o s s e s s i o n of H a n n a h C l o t h i e r H u l l ,
Swarthmore, Pa.)
33
Deborah F . Wharton
(From
33
Cain Quarterly Meeting's "Appeal", 1850
(From t h e m a n u s c r i p t m i n u t e s of the m e e t i n g )
35
Cain Meeting-House I
(From a p h o t o g r a p h )
36
-John-
^
|
37
W h e n not o t h e r w i s e stated,tihe p h o t o g r a p h s , e t c . , f r o m w h i c h t h e s e i l l u s t r a t i o n s
a r e t a k e n , a.re i n t h e p o s s e s s i o n o f t h e F r i e n d s ' H i s t o r i c a l L i b r a r y , S w a r t h m o r e C o l l e g e
*
ihustmtiohs
P,age
Swarthmore College Cairqpus, 1932 (February)
(From a n aerial p h o t o g r a p h )
Frontispiece
(
!
M a r t h a E l l i c o t t 'Tyson, about IS50
1
(From a n oil p o r t r a i t in p o s s e s s i o n of h e r gradnd.augh.ter, A l i c e
T y s o n , Sandy S p r i n g , M d . )
J
I
M i n u t e of the Warden's Y e a r l y M e e t i n g of B a l t i m o r e , O c t o b e r 3 0 , I 8 5 O . . . .
(From the original
M i n u t e - b o o k , p r e s e r v e d in the P a r k A v e n u e
M e e t i n g - H o u s e , B a l t i m o r e , Md.)
3
J
I
L o m b a r d Street M e e t i n g - H o u s e , B a l t i m o r e
(Froia a photograph)
5
1
B a l t i m o r e Quarterly M e e t i n g
(From a p h o t o g r a p h o f Charles Y a r d l e y T u r n e r ' s p a i n t i n g i n p o s s e s s i o n
of P a r k Avenue Meeting, Baltimore)
t ^
f
j
Baltimore Yearly Meeting's ^ e p o r t ^ J S f ^ k
13
f T h o t-itlowpage of a pi'infceCL
'Lh D a l t l w u i e
StiiAicfr
jQ/jb-JjiMX^
26
.
John a . Whittier
(From a n oil p o r t r a i t b y C a r o l i n e v a n Helden; i n W h i t t i e r H o u s e ,
Swarthmore College; copied f r o m a p h o t o g r a p h in the P r e s i d e n t ' s
O f f i c e , Swarthmore College: this p h o t o g r a p h is a c o p y b y P h i l l i p s
^
'
|
B e n j a m i n H a l l o w e l l , at the a g e o f thirty-eight
(From a n oil p o r t r a i t b y J a m e s E a c h u s , A l e x a n d r i a , V a . ; in p o s s e s s i o n
of his g r a n d d a u g h t e r , E l i z a H a l l o w e l l C h i c h e s t e r , Q l n e y , M d . )
Samuel M . J a n n e y
(From a photograph)
|
28
JO
>
•
B a c e Street M e e t i n g - H o u s e , P h i l a d e l p h i a , I S 5 S • •
. . • • • • • • • « • •
(From a n e n g r a v i n g , t h e f r o n t i s p i e c e i n E z r a M i c h e n e r ' s * B e t r o ~
spect of E a r l y Q u a k e r ! sni*, P h i l a d e l p h i a , IS60)
|
|
L u c r e t i a M o t t , at the a g e of about f i f t y
(From a portrait in p a s t e l i n p o s s e s s i o n of H a n n a h C l d t M e r H u l l ,
Swarthmore, Pa.)
$3
j
|
Deborah Fisher Wharton
(From a p h o t o g r a p h )
^3
u.
Cain Quarterly Meeting's A p p e a l * , " IS50
(From the m a n u s c r i p t m i n u t e s o f the m e e t i n g , p r e s e r v e d i n Friends*
Historical L i b r a r y , S w a r t h m o r e C o l l e g e )
"jfl
35
W h e n n o t otherwise s t a t e d , the p h o t o g r a p h s , e t c . , f r o m w h i c h these illustrations
are t a k e n , are in the p o s s e s s i o n of the F r i e n d s ' H i s t o r i c a l L i b r a r y , S w a r t h m o r e
College.
Page
44
Philadelphia Yearly Meeting, 1865
(Prom a p h o t o g r a p h )
Martha Ellicott Tyson, about 1860 . . . . .
50
(Prom a p h o t o g r a p h )
i t t m o r e , I n "1865
56
N o . 1 2 0 8 M a d i s o n A v e n u e B a l t i m o r e , in 1 9 3 1
(From a p h o t o g r a p h )
57
N o . 1208 M a d i s o n A v e n u e , T h e P a r l o r s , 1 8 6 0
(From a p h o t o g r a p h i n p o s s e s s i o n o f
58
N o . 1208 Madison A v e n u e , The P a r l o r s , 1931
(From a photograph)
59
Margaret Elgar Hallowell
(From a p h o t o g r a p h )
62
Swarthmore Hall, England
(From a n oil p a i n t i n g b y
Swarthmore College)
62
T r o t t e r , ih possession of
Rebecca Sinclair Turner
( F r o m a n o i l p o r t r a i t in p o s s e s s i o n of h e r g r a n d d a u g h t e r ,
Rebecca Webb H o l m e s ^
•)
}
6 7
Benjamin Hallowell*s "Address", 1860
• _
64
(From the o r i g i n a l m a n u s c r i p t ) ,
- v
r^r.. 0 u
t.iJL- (C-»•
;
^
1
/ V ^ * ^ ,
r-
E d w a r d P a r r i s h ' s " E d u c a t i o n in the S o c i e t y o f F r i e n d s " , 1 8 6 8
(The t i t l e - p a g e o f t h e f i r s t e d i t i o n )
i i W f c - . / . V s n r v a X ^vfsri,, ^re^>"«eettngsgqtt8e
(^ronL-A-photogrsrph)
•
76
U^.-
/V^;,
*} ^
v
78
\,
...
Jonathan Thorne
(From a p h o t o g r a p h )
79
Samuel Willets
(From a n engraved p o r t r a i t )
80
T h e "Joint A d d r e s s " , 1 8 6 0
(The T i t l e » p a g e o f t h e f i r s t e d i t i o n )
82
William Dorsey
(From a p h o t o g r a p h )
84
Dillwyn Parrish
(From a p h o t o g r a p h )
86
Isaac H . Clothier, 1861
(From a p h o t o g r a p h )
90
jfcClement M . B i d d l e , 1 8 6 1
H i
(From a p h o t o g r a p h )
93
W
^
1
- 2 -
Cain Meeting-House
(From a photograph)
3
Philadelphia Yearly Meeting, IS65
(From a p h o t o g r a p h )
W
I
M a r t h a E l l i c o t t T y s o n , about I860
(From a p h o t o g r a p h )
50
\
N o . 120S M a d i s o m A v e n u e , B a l t i m o r e ^ E x t e r i o r 4 1 3 3 3 )
£6
(From a p h o t o g r a p h )
N o . 120S Madison Avenue(jPhe Parlors, IS60)
(From a photograph)
\J6U
\
A
'
5
N o . 120S Madison A v e n u e / T h e Parlors Xl^-pJ
(From a p h o t o g r a p h )
Margaret Elgar Hallowell . . . . .
(From a p h o t o g r a p h )
s
^
. . .
62
<
Swarthmore Hall, England
62
(From a w a t e r c o l o r b y A l f r e d E a w l i n g s )
'
R e b e c c a Sinclair T u r n e r
&
(From a n oil portraits b y J o h n T u r n e r , (brother of C . Y . T u r n e r ) , ®
12811 fin p o s s e s s i o n of h e r g r a n d d a u g h t e r , R e b e c c a W e b b H o l m e s ^ , j
B e n j a m i n Hallowell*s " A d d r e s s " , I S 6 0
(From the original m a n u s c r i p t )
Benjamin Hallowell
(From a n e n g r a v i n g b y Tlx* W e l c h , f r o m a d a g u e r r e o t y p e
F . B . Bailey)
. . . . .
67
[
71
"by
E d w a r d P a r r i s h * s E d u c a t i o n in the S o c i e t y of Friends**; I 8 6 5 . . .
(The title-page of the f i r s t e d i t i o n )
76
Edward Parrish
(From a crayon b y A l i c e L . D a r l i n g t o n , 1S77> c o p i e d f r o m a
photograph)
~f6
Jonathan T h o m e
(From a photograph)
79
I
Samuel Willets
(From a n engraved p o r t r a i t )
00
The *froint Address?*, I S 6 0
(The Title-page of the first e d i t i o n )
32
William Dorsey
(From a photograph)
Dillwyn Parrish. .
(From a photograph)
— f j ^ ^ J i
2;6
1
3
Page
Philadelphia. Y e a r l y M e e t i n g ' s Q u a r t e r l y M e e t i n g s , 1 8 6 0
(Prom a m a p i n E z r a M i c h e n e r ' s " R e t r o s p e c t of E a r l y Q u a k e r i s m " ,
1860, P . 21)
98
Pilesgrove Meeting-House
(Prom a p h o t o g r a p h )
99
Isaac T . Hopper . . . .
.
(Prom a n o i l p o r t r a i t by
Swarthmore College)
116
Furnas, in Parrish H a l l ,
Thomas Ridgway
(From a p h o t o g r a p h )
127
London Grove, Meeting-House
(From a p h o t o g r a p h )
134
Friends' Union Boarding-School (Friends' Educational) Association*
Constitution, 1862
(The p r i n t e d l e a f l e t )
B o a r d of M a n a g e r s ' f i r s t M i n u t e s , 1 8 6 2
(From t h e m a n u s c r i p t b o o k of m i n u t e s )
. . . . . . . .
141
156
Harriet E . Stockly
(From a p h o t o g r a p h )
156
The Board's " A d d r e s s e e s
(The f i r s t p a g e of t h e p a m p h l e t )
157
Fallowfield Meeting-House
(From a p h o t o g r a p h )
168
Mew York (Rutherford Square) Meeting-House
Little Creek (Delaware) Meeting-House
(From a p h o t o g r a p h )
&oshen Meeting-House
- 170
171
5
g
171
(From a p h o t o g r a p h )
Matthew Vassar
174
T h r e e E l i g i b l e S i t e s , 1863
(From the p r i n t e d " C i r c u l a r to the S t o c k h o l d e r s " )
T h e " W e s t Dale" P r o p e r t y ( S w a r t h m o r e ' s C a m p u s ) , 1 8 6 3
(From t h e " S u p p l e m e n t " to the p r i n t e d R e p o r t )
182
Edward Hoopes
(From a p h o t o g r a p h )
191
Isaac Stephens
(From a p h o t o g r a p h )
197
187
1
3 -
Isaac H.Clothier,IS SO
(Prom a p h o t o g r a p h )
Clement M . B i d d l e , 1 S 5 9
(From a p h o t o g r a p h )
$3
Philadelphia Yearly Meeting's Quarterly Meetings, I860
(From a m a p i n E z r a M i c h e n e r ' s ^ R e t r o s p e c t o f E a r l y Qoalcerismt,
1 2 6 0 , ^ . 21)
4S
1
|
Pilesgrove Meeting-House
(Fran a p h o t o g r a p h )
9fJ
j
|
I « a
. . . . . . . . . . .
.
II H o p p e r
W ^ t - ^ ^ r r ^ ! ^ i '
(From a n oil p o r t r a i t b y \
in Parrish Hall,
Swarthmore College)
'
Thomas R i d g w a y
. . . . . .
4
j
1^7
(From a p h o t o g r a p h )
f
London Grove, Meeting-House
(From a p h o t o g r a p h )
lPjH
I
F r i e n d s ' U n i o n B o a r d i n g - S c h o o l (Friends' Educational) A s s o c i a t i o n :
Constitution, 1S62
(The p r i n t e d leaflet)
j
lUl
1
Board of M a n a g e r s ' F i r s t M i n u t e s , 1 S 6 2 . . . . .
(From the m a n u s c r i p t h o o k o f m i n u t e s )
I5S
)
Harriet E . StocKLy
(From a p h o t o g r a p h )
1J56
The Board's A d d r e s s * , IS63
(The first p a g e of the p a m p h l e t )
157
Fallowfield Meeting-House
16S
(From a p h o t o g r a p h )
N e w Y o r k (Rutherford S q u a r e ) M e e t i n g - H o u s e .
I70
L i t t l e C r e e k (Delaware) M e e t i n g - H o u s e
171
(From a p h o t o g r a p h )
I
Goshen Meeting-House
Three Eligible S i t e s , IS63
1
(From the p r i n t e d ^ C i r c u l a r to the Stockholders *)
T h e "West Dale" P r o p e r t y (Swarthmore's future Campve ) , I S
\
'
\
I S ^ j ^V--
(From the ^ S u p p l spent*" to t h e p r i n t e d R e p o r t to the C o r p o r a t i o n ,
12th. M o . £ 7 1S6U.)
E d w a r d Hoopes
(From a p h o t o g r a p h )
!
4
Page
g
Susan M . P a r r i s h
(Prom a p h o t o g r a p h )
.
197
The C h a r t e r , 1864
(fhe leaflet printed, in 1 8 6 5 )
198
The First S e a l , 1864
199
(
Gerard H . R e e s e
(From a p h o t o g r a p h )
. . . . . . . .
202
itee-Bai M i n g - P l a n s , 1864
("jPjpear- the-4-page- leaf le t )
206
T h e Election of the first P r e s i d e n t , 1 8 6 5
(Board of M a n a g e r s ' M i n a t e s , 5 t h . M o n t h 1 2 , 1 8 6 5 )
207
D r . E d w a r d P a r r i s h , the first P r e s i d e n t , 1865-71
208
Margaret S . P a r r i s h , the first P r e s i d e n t ' s W i f e
(From a p h o t o g r a p h )
.
209
P a r r i s h H a l l , a s p l a n n e d in 1865
(Frontispiece of E d w a r d P a r r i s h ' s "Education in the Society
210
Hugh M b Ilvain
(From a p h o t o g r a p h )
228
. .
Professor Joseph Thomas, 1865
(From a p h o t o g r a p h )
237
P a r r i s h Hall Interior as p l a n n e d i n 1866
(From the "Proceedings o n the O c c a s i o n of L a y i n g the C o r n e r
Stone of Swarthmore C o l l e g e " )
247-8(2 p i c t u r e s )
Certificates of Stock: the first a n d the last
(From the Stocky Certificate S t u b - B o o k s )
257
C-tt-^-f: /it •
ili 1")
>
Samuel fillets . . . >
(A p h o t o g r a p h of a statue in the B o a r d R o o m )
J o s e p h Wharton
(Frontispiece in h i s "Life" b y h i s d a u g h t e r , Jfoanna W h a r t o n
Lippincott)
263
.
266
Swarthmore's first p h o t o g r a p h , 6 t h . M o n t h 1 6 , 1866
(Taken at the third a n n u a l R e u n i o n of the F r i e n d s ' Social
L y c e u m of Philadelphia])
273
W i l l i a m Canby B i d d l e , the first T r e a s u r e r , 1 8 6 2 - 6 6 , 1 8 7 0 - 7 3
(From a p h o t o g r a p h )
275
n
Isaac S t e p h e n s
(From a p h o t o g r a p h )
Susan M . Parrish
u
1
-
nrv»f ?
I
^
. . . . . . . .
i
(From a p h o t o g r a p h )
^
^
^
o
t
^
j
i
T h e C h a r t e r , ISSk
(From the o r i g i n a l , p r e s e r v e d i n t h e O f f i c e of the S e c r e t a r y of j
the C o m m o n w e a l t h , H a r r i s b u r g , P a . )
^
T h e F i r s t S e a l , 1S6H
19$
(Still in u s e b y Swarthmore College)
\
- t ^ " . ,.^ • "
T -. '
Gerard H . Reese . . .
202
.
(From a p h o t o g r a p h )
j
T h e E l e c t i o n of the first P r e s i d e n t , I S 6 5 . . .
1
(Board of M a n a g e r s M i n u t e s , 5 t h . M o n t h 1 2 , IS65)
20"f
j
D r . Edward P a r r i s h , the first P r e s i d e n t , I S 6 5 - 7 I
(From a n oil p a i n t i n g b y A n n e P a r r i s h , 190*0
20g
\
M a r g a r e t S . P a r r i s h , the f i r s t P r e s i d e n t ' s l i f e
(From a p h o t o g r a p h )
20$
j
P a r r i s h H a l l , as p l a n n e d i n I S 6 5
(Frontispiece of Edward P a r r i s h ' s ^ E d u c a t i o n i n the_ Society
o f F r i e n d s " , 2 n d . e d i t i o n , 1S66)
210
H u g h M c IIvain
(From a p h o t o g r a p h )
22S
;
f
(
T h e Supplement to the C h a r t e r , I S 7 0
(From the o r i g i n a l , i n the o f f i c e of the S e c r e t a r y o f the
Commonwealth)
Professor Joseph Thomas, IS65, . . . . . .
.
^37
(From a p h o t o g r a p h )
P a r r i s h Hall I n t e r i o r as p l a n n e d in 1 8 6 6 . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
.2^7 - (2 p i c t u r e s )
(From the P r o c e e d i n g s jjn t h e O c c a s i o n of L a y i n g the C o r n e r
Stone of S w a r t h m o r e College**-)
~~
'
Certificates of Stock: the first (issued S e p t e m b e r 2 5 , 1 8 6 5 f t U TT«1 • 11. \ - 7
TiiLii.W) and the l a s t ( » o . 2 5 7 S , issued F e b r u a r y 1 0 , l S 7 0 ) ^ c B i t * - • ~
'
TTi ftrv n a n . .
t - ~—» • . . » » » • > » » » » « — S ^ j b
(From the S t o c k C e r t i f i c a t e Stub-Books)
}
R e c e i p t for Shares of S t o c k
•^WlMyiAA
\
J
Clement M.^Biddlfe, l S b S . . ,
v
( S a m u e l W i l l e t s . . . . .j.
(A p h o t o g r a p h of a statue i n the B o a r d R o o m )
/ J o s e p h W h a r t o n ? * X < r j $ J f {fiV
V
( - y r o n M a p i e c e i n iais "Life" b y h i s dmu^lxtor; J o a n n a W h a r t o a
Sfe
& &
>
^
i
^
Page
H e n r y M . L a i n g , the s e c o n d T r e a s u r e r , 1 8 6 6 - 7 0
(Prom a p h o t o g r a p h )
276
H e l e n G . L o n g s t r e t h , the f i r s t M a t r o n , 1 8 6 7 - 7 0
(Prom a photograph)
290
E d w a r d H i c k s M a g i l l , t h e f i r s t P r i n c i p a l , 1 8 6 7 - 7 1 , a n d the s e c o n d
President, 1871-89
(Prom a n o i l p o r t r a i t b y
, in P a r r i s h
Hall)
Ann Preston, M.D
(From a p h o t o g r a p h )
( P c k ^ ^ J W yc+xx
?|
T h e C a m p u s r-1-870-^0 . .
292
296
.
„
314
( F r o m - a - m C p d r a W n b y M"; F t s h e r -loisgstrethv'if . 1 . )
George Truman, M.D
(From a p h o t o g r a p h )
331
B . Hush Roberts
(From a p h o t o g r a p h )
341
Samuel J . Underhill
(From a photograph)
343
William H. Macy
(From a p h o t o g r a p h )
343
Ellwood Burdsall
(From
347
•Aaaft-Tv- Hal-lewell
(Frofli a p h o t o g r a p h )
376
Brail-y" H a l l o w e l 1
(From a p h o t o g r a p h )
377
Susan J . Cunningham
(From a n o i l p o r t r a i t b y
in P a r r i s h Hall)
397
Parrish Hall, 1869
(From a p h o t o g r a p h f o r m i n g t h e f r o n t i s p i e c e of the f i r s t
" P r o s p e c t u s of S w a r t h m o r e C o l l e g e , 1 8 6 9 - 7 0 " )
399
?
I n a u g u r a t i o n of the C o l l e g e , 1 1 t h . M o n t h 1 0 , 1 8 6 9 : P l a n t i n g the
Mott Oak Trees
&18
(From a photograph)
James Mott
(Fro# a p h o t o g r a p h )
419
Benjamin Hallowell, about 1869
(-Fx-om a n e n g r a v i n g b y T h . W e l c h , ,from a d a g u e r r e o t y p e b y F . B .
420
Bailey)-
f j ^ . , ^ .
)
j g
;)
/Z
1
-
5 -
Swarthmore's #irst "photograph, 6th, Month 16, 1266
(Taken at the third annual Reunion of the Friends' Social Lyceum
of Philadelphia)
273
William Canby Biddle, the first treasurer, 1862-66, 1870-73
(Prom a photograph)
275
Henry M . Laing, the second treasurer, 1266-70
(Prom a photograph)
it /1-+z J L ^ o ^ ^ t -
-flelen G . Longstreth, the first Hatron, IS67-70
(Prom a photograph)
2$Q f
Sdward Kicks Magill, the first principal, 1867-71* and the second "president,
' >1271-29
. „(From a photographl^y* •>> L ^
' f c f ^
Ann i * 3 t e s x o n , — x — • • » • • • »
292
_
__
f3
i s Z / t L f )
. .•
.
,
. .
*"••<
-(Prom-a-photograph)
George Truman, M.D.
(Prom a photograph)
^^
B . Hush Roberts
(Progt a photograph)
3*41
Samuel J . Underhill
(Prom a photograph)
3H3
William H. Macy
(Prom a photograph)
3U3
Ell wood Burdsall .
(Prom a photograph)
3^7 ?
Susan J . Cunningham
(Prom a photograph)
397
Parrish Hall, IS69
(Prom a photograph forming the frontispiece of the first ^Prospectus
of Swarthmore College, 1869-7gf^)
399
$3/
Inauguration of the College, 11th. Month 10, IS69I Planting the Mott
Oak Trees
(Proa a photograph)
UlS
James Mott
U19
(Prom a p h o t o g r a p h )
Benjamin Hallowell, about I869
(Prom a crayon portrait by Alice L . Darlington, 1891> made from
a photograph)
U20
Lucretia Mott, about IS69
(Prom an engraving)
U32
6
Page
L u c r e t i a M o t t , a b o u t 1869
(From a n e n g r a v i n g ^
432
John D . Hicks
(From a p h o t o g r a p h )
432
Martha Ellicott Tyson, about 1869
(From
441
)3.
-
J o h n D . Hicks
(From a p h o t o g r a p h )
i
Martha Ellicott Tyson
lfrl
(From a c r a y o n portrait "by A l i c e L . D a r l i n g t o n , 1 3 3 1 , a f t e r aty
ooii»lior p h o t o g r a p h )
1
(In rai'i'i-tih H a l l >-"beiAl'ile Uho Pragjflgnt s Officej Swnrthraore Collogo)
6
3
P R E F A C E
The m a t e r i a l s on which this H i s t o r y
Swarthmore College is b a s e d were
scattered in fragmentary a n a p e r i s h a b l e form in B a l t i m o r e , P h i l a d e l p h i a , N e w Y o r k a n d
Swarthmore.
They have never b e f o r e b e e n g a t h e r e d t o g e t h e r , n o r h a s a detailed a n d com-
prehensive history of the college b e e n w r i t t e n .
These are the reasons w h y three v o l u m e s a r e devoted to the story of a small
college, less than three-quarters of a century o l d .
Whether or not the significance
and value of the college justify so extensive a h i s t o r y m u s t now be left to the judgment
of the discriminating r e a d e r .
T h e r e are those who love it; a n d w i t h them, a f f e c t i o n ,
for Alma Mnter m a y be counted u p o n to s u p p l e m e n t , p e r h a p s to c o r r e c t , a p u r e l y critical
estimate.
This first v o l u m e covers only the first nineteen y e a r s of the story - the
years of the origin, f o u n d i n g , b u i l d i n g and o p e n i n g .
But since these were the y e a r s in
which "the principles of the Founders" were formulated a n d the first strenuous efforts
to apply them were m a d e , the actors in the scene have b e e n g i v e n every opportunity to
j r j L r & ^ Q + s d Z .
state their ideals and m e t h o d s in their own w o r d s .
•Affront donlfof their m a n u s c r i p t
MB
and p r i n t e d records haj^ n e c e s s a r i l y b e e n omitted from this v o l u m e ; but it is b e l i e v e d
that the heart of their m e s s a g e and b e q u e s t to p o s t e r i t y has b e e n a d e q u a t e l y g i v e n .
A s a Q u a k e r , coeducational institution of the higher l e a r n i n g , Swarthmore
College m a y h a v e its own interest for the reader; a n d its story m a y b e u s e f u l in reflecting the trend of college education in A m e r i c a during the p a s t seventy years of changing
ideals and revolutionary
experiments.
T h e illustrations in this v o l u m e a r e p r e s e r v e d chiefly in the F r i e n d s '
Historical Library of Swarthmore College; others w h i c h , like its m a n u s c r i p t a n d p r i n t e d
sources, are scattered far a n d w i d e h a v e b e e n r e f e r r e d to their r e s p e c t i v e o r i g i n s .
It
is due to the skill a n d p a t i e n c e of a g i f t e d P h i l a d e l p h i a p h o t o g r a p h e r , M r . Philip B .
W a l l a c e , that they have been reproduced w i t h a l l the clarity p e r m i t t e d by the circum-
'V
fl
_
2
-
stances under w h i c h they w e r e first p r o d u c e d .
W I L L I A M I . HULL
Swarthmore C o l l e g e ,
May 1 8 , 1 9 3 5 .
g ^ M ^ X -
THE
ORIGIN
OF
i
SWARTHMORE
COLLEGE
'
1850 - 185(|
FRIENDS^
JSCHOOLS
George F o x and the founders of the S o c i e t y of F r i e n d s keenlyrealized the necessity of educating their c h i l d r e n .
Not only had the
Protestant R e v o l u t i o n demanded an a b i l i t y to read the B i b l e , w h i c h
took the place of the Church and the Pope as the standard of faith and
conduct; but the Quaker insistence u p o n the L i g h t Within as the
ultimate authority for individual guidance required the u t m o s t possible
development of the individual's capabilities as the best way of
reflecting this light in its purity and of enabling it to guide a r i g h t .
The Quaker i n s i s t e n c e , too, u p o n putting faith into practice
and applying it to the remedying of social evils and the a d v a n c e m e n t of
God's kingdom upon e a r t h , demanded an e d u c a t i o n which would inform the
pupils of the f a c t s of l i f e , as well as inspire them to c a r r y out their
Quaker
"testimonies".
F o x , a c c o r d i n g l y , a s e a r l y as 1668 urged F r i e n d s in E n g l a n d to
set up schools for the t e a c h i n g , not only of b o y s , but also of "younge
lassesj[«c«^ maydens in whatsever thinges was civill and u s e f u l l in yjf
creatioxk''.. Near the end of his l i f e , a l s o , he wrote to the "dear
friends and brethren that have gone into America and the islands thereaway:
Stir u p the gift of God in you and improve your talents."
Friends on both s i d e s of the sea responded gladly and
generously to this a p p e a l and b e c a m e the pioneers of u n i v e r s a l e d u c a t i o n
by establishing elementary and secondary schools for their own children
and for all others w h o desired to attend t h e m .
Oxford and Cambridge
U n i v e r s i t i e s and Harvard C o l l e g e , which m o n o p o l i z e d higher
education,
were devoted at that time p r i m a r i l y to the t r a i n i n g of c l e r g y m e n p h e n c e ,
•j \y
the Friends were opposed to such e d u c a t i o n a l i n s t i t u t i o n s .
And it was
not until colleges broadened their courses and p u r p o s e s ^ in the
/Nineteenth C e n t u r y ^ to lay equal or even greater emphasis on "secular"
higher education,that Quaker colleges a r o s e .
'.vhen the "Separation" in the Society of F r i e n d s in A m e r i c a
occurred, in 1 8 2 7 - 2 8 , the P e n n Charter School of Philadelphia
(founded in 1 6 9 7 ) , the B o a r d i n g School at .Yesttown, Pennsylvania
(founded in 1 7 9 9 ) , and the H a v e r f o r d S c h o o l (opened in N o v e m b e r , 1 8 3 3 ) ,
fell to the "Orthodox" F r i e n d s .
These schools were the best and a l m o s t
the only schools which fostered the b e g i n n i n g s of a liberal e d u c a t i o n
within the r e a c h of the F r i e n d s of the Middle S t a t e s .
There w e r e , of
c o u r s e , some private boarding-schools k e p t by F r i e n d s , and m a n y dayschools u n d e r the care of M o n t h l y M e e t i n g s ; but these were devoted for
the m o s t part to elementary e d u c a t i o n , and did not lead on t o , or head
up i n , a central school of higher
learning.
The three Orthodox schools m e n t i o n e d above contented
themselves
with a n e x c e l l e n t f o r m of secondary e d u c a t i o n , to w h i c h t ^ f of them are
still steadfastly devoted; b u t , in 1 8 5 6 , H a v e r f o r d S c h o o l received f r o m
the Pennsylvania Legislature a college charter and b e g a n to g r a n t
college d e g r e e s , and in 1861 its p r e p a r a t o r y d e p a r t m e n t was en-tirely.-.
abolished.
During the first generation f o l l o w i n g the S e p a r a t i o n , the
Friends of the "Liberal B r a n c h " , a l t h o u g h they were m u c h more n u m e r o u s ,
possessed neither a first-rate b o a r d i n g - s c h o o l for secondary e d u c a t i o n ,
nor a college for the higher l e a r n i n g .
This u n f o r t u n a t e state of
affairs weighed heavily upon the m i n d s of a few of their l e a d e r s , who
began to advocate an a d v a n c e .
A m o n g t h e s e , M a r t h a E l l i c o t t Tyson a n d
Benjamin H a l l o w e l l were f o r e m o s t .
MARTHA. E L L I C O T T TYSON
Martha E . Tyson w a s b o r n ^ t E l l i c o t t C i t y , near B a l t i m o r e ,
M a r y l a n d , September 1 3 , 1 7 9 5 .
She was the d a u g h t e r of Quaker p a r e n t s ,
George and E l i z a b e t h Brooks E l l i c o t t .
only school was taught by Joel
Her f i r s t and a p p a r e n t l y her
/right a t E l l i c o t t City in the stone
school-house built by the E l l i c o t t s on a high h i l l on the Howard
M .
County side of^Patapsco R i v e r as a nlace where their children could be
educated,together with the children of the overseers and superintendents
of the various m i l l s owned by t h e m , the children being seated
to rank."
"according
Joel ./right was selected as its teacher because of his fine
reputation as a s c h o l a r , and as a m e m b e r of a P h i l a d e l p h i a Quaker f a m i l y .
It is not known that Martha E l l i c o t t attended other schools; b u t she
probably had good private tutors; for she w a s w e l l e d u c a t e d , read French
f l u e n t l y , and in later life numbered a m o n g her friends Schliemann the
archaeologist and other scientists and
scholars.
At the age of twenty (September 2 7 , 1 8 1 5 ) , she was married to
N a t h a n , son
Tyooiw
eminent Q , u a k e ^ p h i l a n t h r o p i s t of Baltimore^. Eliaha
The young couple "passed m e e t i n g " at Lombard Street, B a l t i m o r e ,
and were m a r r i e d by F r i e n d s ' ceremony in Elk Ridge M e e t i n g - h o u s e , near
Ellicott C i t y , M a r y l a n d ^
Of*^
i
.^fThe b r i d e w o r e , when she "passed mee tingt/,,
a y e l l o w silk d r e s s ,
v
u
1
Empire s t y l e , very narrow^ its b o d i c e y bp.inp still preserved b y a great grand-daughter.
H e r w e d d i n g - g o w n was made of fine white m u l l with a
very narrow skirt to the a n k l e s , low n e c k and puffed short s l e e v e s , with
white satin s h o e s , w h i t e kid g l o v e s , and a white satin cape crossed in
front and tied in b a c k .
It had a pleated f r i l l .
satin b o n n e t , such as young girls wore in 1 8 1 5 .
She also wore a white
The c o s t u m e , except
the b o n n e t , is still intact and owned by a g r a n d s o n , N a t h a n T y s o n .
The
groom wore black s h o e s , white satin b r e e c h e s , long white silk stockings
tied at the k n e e s with white satin b o w s , a dark claret-colored
and a white silk v e s t . AU**^-*'*' M ^ ^ J J ^ y
j
r
X J ^ j L
1
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coat,
^ n ^ sj^rbJsLj ^ r w u ^ A ^ A T
i £
They made their home in B a l t i m o r e , and became active and u s e f u l m e m b e r s of/'_^
Lombard Street M e e t i n g .
Twelve children were born to t h e m , eight of
whom lived until past middle
life.
T1?;
(2)
wa-9 aarriod. to ITath&n, oon of that ominont ifomltor p h i l a n t h r o p i c t -»f B a l l l m o i e , Elioha"^In spite of the c a r e s ofva» l a r g e f a m i l y ,
worked' diligently
throughout
h e r l i f e , a s m i n i s t e r , elder^ a n d in v a r i e d o t h e r c a p a c i t i e s in t h e s e r v i c e of B a l t i m o r e
M o n t h l y , Quarterly^ a n d Y e a r l y M e e t i n g s .
Although her own educational training lacked
the a d v a n t a g e s of h i g h e r i n s t i t u t i o n s of l e a r n i n g , s h e h a d a f r u i t f u l a p p r e c i a t i o n of
the c u l t u r e of B a r c l a y , P e n n a n d o t h e r early F r i e n d s , a n d c r a v e d f o r t h e c h i l d r e n of
h e r S o c i e t y the b e s t p o s s i b l e m e a n s of d e v e l o p i n g t h e i r i n t e l l e c t a n d c h a r a c t e r .
She
w a s a n a c t i v e m e m b e r of the c o m m i t t e e of w o m e n F r i e n d s of B a l t i m o r e Y e a r l y M e e t i n g
w h i c h s u p e r v i s e d the p r o m o t i o n of e d u c a t i o n a n d the d i s t r i b u t i o n of b o o k s , f r o m
1 3 4 7 to 1 8 5 3 .
In the summer, of 1 3 5 0 , she r e t u r n e d to B a l t i m o r e w i t h h e r f a m i l y ,
f r o m H a r f o r d C o u n t y , M a r y l a n d , w h e r e they h a d m a d e t h e i r h o m e s i n c e 1 8 3 8 .
lyt^sjL MXJLXL*. jL- &/t unrtiW^/ $
M a r t h a T y s o n ' s a p p e a l s in b e h a l f tot e d u c a t i o n Tvere r e f l e c t e d in the E p i s t l e
of 1 8 4 9 , a d d r e s s e d b y the B a l t i m o r e Y e a r l y M e e t i n g of W o m e n F r i e n d s to t h e i r s i s t e r
yearly meetings, which included the following paragraph:
'*]
^ T h e s u b j e c t of a p r o p e r e d u c a t i o n f o r y o u t h also c l a i m e d a s t r o n g a n d a b i d I
| ing i n t e r e s t , a n d its importance w a s f e e l i n g l y i m p r e s s e d u p o n F r i e n d s a s o n e of the
|
-
-
I s t r o n g e s t b u l w a r k s to p r e s e r v e t h e S o c i e t y f r o m i n n o v a t i o n s w h i c h a r e b e i n g m a d e u p o n
i
i the b e a u t y a n d s i m p l i c i t y , w i t h w h i c h (by t h e d e d i c a t i o n of o u r f o r e - f a t h e r s u n d e r the
v i v i f y i n g i n f l u e n c e of the s p i r i t of T r u t h ) , it w a s o n c e o v e r s p r e a d . *
•
,
^
-ffccfe^
«'.L X.M.U*LU.
MMJT'ML
/I(i<'I. - Q > / o r n L . j ^ v j c L
8
/
W A * . /-ye^-dhe w a s p r o b a b l y r e s p o n s i v e a l s o f o r A t h e p r o p o s a l in the W o m e n ' s Y e a r l y
M e e t i n g , i n 1 8 5 0 , that the m e n ' s m e e t i n g s h o u l d c o o p e r a t e i n the a p p o i n t m e n t of a
joint c o m m i t t e e o n the w h o l e s u b j e c t of
follows:
education.^^
T h e w o m e n ' s m i n u t e , w h i c h w a s a d o p t e d o n t h e 3 0 t h . of O c t o b e r , 1 8 5 0 , r e a d s a s
-""The C o m m i t t e e o n E d u c a t i o n a n d the d i s t r i b u t i o n of b o o k s p r o d u c e d the
f o l l o w i n g r e p o r t , w h i c h w a s r e a d a n d u n i t e d w i t h ; v i z : ^ F r o m fceports r e c e i v e d f r o m
If $ -
T h e c e r t i f i c a t e of t h e i r r e m o v a l w a s r e c e i v e d b y B a l t i m o r e M o n t h l y M e e t i n g in
A u g u s t , 1 8 5 0 ( M & . M i n u t e s , u n d e r that d a t e ) .
T h i s E p i s t l e w a s r e p r i n t e d i n the c o l l e c t i o n c o m p i l e d b y the l e w Y o r k Y e a r l y M e e t i n g of W o m e n F r i e n d s in 1 8 5 0 , J>.9. T h e B a l t i m o r e Efistlex-was s i g n e d b y M a r g a r e t E .
Hallowell, Clerk.
*
f f o r n t h e M j n u t e s of the Y e a r l y M e e t i n g of W o m e n F r i e n d s .held at L o m b a r d
S t r e e t , i n tne C i t y of B a l t i m o r e , 1 8 5 0 % 4 K19 - 1 0 . M a n u s c r i p t V o l . 19 (88) u n d e r d a t e
c i t e d : M a r g a r e t E . H a l l o w e l l , C l e r k . If '
i^rrtS
the different month.lv m e e t i n g s , w e find there are twelve schools taught by F r i e n d s ,
three of them u n d e r the care of M o n t h l y M e e t i n g s , a n d a p r o s p e c t of two others b e i n g
soon e s t a b l i s h e d .
T h e Committee b e l i e v e from the evidence a f f o r d e d t h e m , that through-
out the several m o n t h l y m e e t i n g s , there a r e those who feel a concern for the p r o m o t i o n
of the deeply important subject of the g u a r d e d education of F r i e n d s ' c h i l d r e n .
And
they a r e encouraged in believing that a n increasing interest is felt in the s u b j e c t .
Some of the reports m e n t i o n difficulties in the w a y of the establishment of F r i e n d s '
**
schools, p a r t i c u l a r l y in n e i g h b o r h o o d s w h e r e p u b l i c schools e x i s t .
4:
B u t w h i l e we see
the difficulties are g r e a t , w e trust they m a y b e in time s u r m o u n t e d .
•"•/The subject is one of such deep i n t e r e s t , that w e would encourage a l l to
renewed e x e r t i o n .
We would p r e s s u p o n the c o n s i d e r a t i o n of Friends the important re-
sults that w o u l d flow from the establishment of schools throughout our b o d i e s , in
w h i c h the y o u t h of our society might b e educated in accordance w i t h the principles w e
p r o f e s s , instead of being dependent upon those w h e r e our p r e c i o u s testimonies a r e too
often trampled -under f o o t .
^
^
*/Th§_ Committee a r e u n i t e d in p r o p o s i n g to the Yea.rly M e e t i n g that a request
'
„
' '
be m a d e for the cooperation of our brethren to aid u s in this important w o r k .
tf/rh
e libraries which have b e e n established in the several n e i g h b o u r h o o d s , a r e
mostly s m a l l , but they are i n c r e a s i n g , a n d a desire is m a n i f e s t e d to obtain the journals a n d w r i t i n g s of F r i e n d s , a n d other u s e f u l b o o k s ,
gned on b e h a l f of the C o m m i t t e e ,
:
—
j
'V
..
1
jyr
Y
Martha E . Tyson,
Ann P . M e r r i t t . A ^ A ^
ceu. j
-
r
x
u
v
^
^
:
j
T h e report from the Committee on -Education w a s referred to the M e n Friends for
their consideration, a n d they informed u s that they o r d e r e d it to b e p l a c e d o n their
minutes for consideration next y e a r , a n d directed that their T r e a s u r e r p a y $50.00 to
w o m e n friends to a i d them in the p u r c h a s e of b o o k s . *
^
l
J
l
j
^
r
fay
c ^ z ^ r ^ u
L .
r
•\-jch. MTtw^Zi.
WherK
d
/
(
Xrsju^ufCuL
m i n u t e w a s sent in to the m e n ' s m e e t i n g , it ww.bym-iniit.nii on the
5
A
31st of O c t o b e r , 1 8 5 0 , as follows: ^ ^ A n interesting report w a s p r e s e n t e d to u s b y
our W o m e n f r i e n d s , w h i c h w a s read a n d r e f e r r e d , for further c o n s i d e r a t i o n , to our n e x t
Yearly M e e t i n g , a n d the T r e a s u r e r of this m e e t i n g w a s requested to place in the h a n d s
of W o m e n ' s Y e a r l y M e e t i n g , the sum of fifty dollars^to a i d them in their b o o k f u n d , a n d Quarterly M e e t i n g s were r e q u e s t e d to raise the stun of $150.*/ instead of $100.'*'*
In accordance w i t h this a c t i o n , / t h e n e x t Y e a r l y M e e t i n g of the m e n F r i e n d s , on
the
O c t o b e r , 1 8 5 1 , a d o p t e d the following m i n u t e :
/
^ T h e Committee appointed to co-operate w i t h w o m e n F r i e n d s on the subject of ed-
u c a t i o n reported as f o l l o w s , viz:
" T o the Yearly M e e t i n g , now s i t t i n g . " T h e Committee a p p o i n t e d to co-operate w i t h a Committee of w o m e n Friends on the
subject of education: R e p o r t , that we h a v e h a d a conference in w h i c h the subject was
•••eightily c o n s i d e r e d , a n d w e u n i t e d in judgment that it w i l l b e right for the Y e a r l y
Meeting to r e c o m m e n d , that a l l the M o n t h l y Meetings w i t h i n our l i m i t s , take the subject
of education into c o n s i d e r a t i o n , a n d , if w a y should o p e n , appoint Committees to cooperate w i t h w o m e n Friends in this interesting
concern.
f'We further recommend that the Y e a r l y M e e t i n g should a p p r o p r i a t e one h u n d r e d
dollars to a i d w o m e n Friends in the p u r c h a s e of b o o k s .
" S i g n e d on b e h a l f of the C o m m i t t e e ,
^
John Jewett,
10th m o . 28th, 1851.
Sam'l M . Janney
•jrffaaich, being read, w a s a p p r o v e d , a n d r e c o m m e n d e d to the care of the Quarterly
M e e t i n g s , a n d the Treasurer w a s d i r e c t e d to p a y one h u n d r e d dollars to the T r e a s u r e r
1
_.of W o m e n s Yearly M e e t i n g for the p u r p o s e indicated in the Report.*'
"Minutes" "(Men's M e e t i n g ; ,
"Minutes" (Men's M e e t i n g ) , 1 8 5 1 , 0 . ..V ,y
„
>
•
T h e w o m e n ' s m e e t i n g a c k n o w l e d g e d the a c t i o n of the m e n in the following
minute:
"Men Friends informed u s they h a d t a k e n u p the subject of e d u c a t i o n , w h i c h
w e referred to them last y e a r , a n d h a d a p p o i n t e d a committee to a i d u s in the accomplishment of that concern."
„
,.
• .
M e a n w h i l e , the women h a d not waitedfffor phe m e n to a c t , since their
own commit—
t e e , a p p o i n t e d in 1 8 5 0 , is r e f e r r e d to in the f o l l o w i n g m i n u t e of 1 8 5 1 :
<^The following report from the committee on E d u c a t i o n w a s r e a d , a n d they w e r e
encouraged to p e r s e v e r e in this important w o r k .
M a r y Smedley's n a m e w a s a d d e d to the
comiaittee.
cc.,
/ T o Baltimore Y e a r l y M e e t i n g .of W o m e n Friends:
From reports received from the m e m b e r s of the E d u c a t i o n committee in their
respective n e i g h b o r h o o d s , w e find that the subject of Schools a n d Libraries
to claim their a t t e n t i o n .
g e n e r a l l y felt in t h e m .
continues
L i b r a r i e s a r e e n l a r g i n g , and a n increasing interest is
Schools u n d e r the care of M o n t h l y M e e t i n g s o r taught b y
F r i e n d s , a r e reported a s existing in m a x y p l a c e s .
Some of these h a v e b e e n establish-
ed w i t h i n a few y e a r s , a n d in consequence of the increased interest felt in the guarded education of F r i e n d s ' c h i l d r e n , continue in a p r o s p e r o u s c o n d i t i o n .
O t h e r heighboav
h o o d s a r e laboring u n d e r great disadvantages; in some the number of F r i e n d s is small;
in o t h e r s , we h a v e reason to f e a r , too little interest is m a n i f e s t e d in this important
subject.
In some n e i g h b o r h o o d s P u b l i c Schools are b e c o m i n g e s t a b l i s h e d , a d d i n g great-
ly to difficulties a l r e a d y e x i s t i n g .
But feeling a s s u r e d that w e h a v e m a d e consider-
able p r o g r e s s in this s u b j e c t , we do not feel d i s c o u r a g e d , but r a t h e r w o u l d stimulate
a l l to renewed e x e r t i o n .
W e firmly b e l i e v e that if a m o r e general interest were f e l t ,
a n d corresponding exertion m a d e o n the p a r t of our m e m b e r s , all difficulties w o u l d
v a n i s h , a n d the children of Friends throughout our Y e a r l y M e e t i n g m i g h t have the benefit of select s c h o o l s .
We trust it is not n e c e s s a r y to dwell u p o n the advantages
^ E x t r a c . t W o m e n ' s M e e t i n g ) ,1851, 1P . 5 : M a r g a r e t E . Hallowell
Clerk
% - Ibid*, P p . 6 - 7 .
'
'
to b e d e r i v e d from such s c h o o l s , w h e r e our p r e c i o u s Testimonies w o u l d b e cherished
a n d m a i n t a i n e d , over those where they a r e too often trampled
oiOV^
^--This~~report of the committee is ^'signed on behalf of the Comnittee" by M a r y
C . Stabler and Susan H . Jones; b u t it w a s p r o b a b l y the h a n d i w o r k chiefly of Martha
Tyson.'jp D u r i n g the y e a r 1852 the w o m e n of Baltimore Qi|arterly^Meeting, u n d e r M a r t h a
Tyson's l e a d e r s h i p , m a d e another effort to
^ L w
-T^U.
JI/LuiAaj^
rd
k
T h e m i n u t e s of their m e e t i n g "held in Baltimore 3
th
mo. 8
n-
\(0
1853Jj^ record:
"The committee on E d u c a t i o n , not b e i n g ready to m a k e a. full r e p o r t , w a s c o n t i n u e d , w i t h
the a d d i t i o n of Catharine M . S m i t h , L y d i a J e f f e r i s a n d E l i z a Stabler."
meeting, "held
at Gunpowder
A t their next
m o n t h 1 3 ^ 1852&/, the following m i n u t e (in answer to
the 1 2 t h (Juery) was a d o p t e d :
<
f r i e n d s a r e generally careful as f a r a s p r a c t i c a b l e , to p l a c e their children
for tuition, u n d e r the care of suitable teachers in m e m b e r s h i p w i t h u s .
T h e committee
on E d u c a t i o n p r o d u c e d the f o l l o w i n g , which was a p p r o v e d a n d d i r e c t e d to b e transm i t t e d to the Yearly M e e t i n g .
i^Vrhe committee on E d u c a t i o n , r e p o r t , that they h a v e several times m e t , a n d
given the subject that w e i g h t y a n d serious consideration its importance d e m a n d s , a n d
are u n i t e d in recommending to the Q u a r t e r l y M e e t i n g , a n d through it to the subordinate
m e e t i n g s , that a renewed interest should be felt a n d exerted towards the f u r t h e r a n c e
of so important a w o r k .
committee have a s c e r t a i n e d , that the number of children b e t w e e n the a g e s
of 4 a n d 1 5 , b e l o n g i n g to the Quarterly M e e t i n g , w h e r e both p a r e n t s a r e m e m b e r s , is
about 258 a n d t h o s e , w h e r e only one p a r e n t is a m e m b e r , about 7 6 . A m o n g s t these 334
The Women's Y e a r l y M e e t i n g also a c k n o w l e d g e d the a p p r o p r i a t i o n of $ 1 0 0 hy the
m e n ' s m e e t i n g f o r the u s e of the w o m e n ' s C o m m i t t e e on E d u c a t i o n , "in the p u r c h a s e
of
suitable books"; a n d the committee w a s "requested to m e e t next y e a r at h a l f
p a s t 6 o ' c l o c k , on F i r s t day evening (that is, at the time of Y e a r l y M e e t i n g , in
the Meeting House."
Ibid-, f . 7 .
.
f 0 - Manuscript M i n u t e s , V o l . 4 4 , p a g e not n u m b e r e d , but u n d e r date c i t e d .
S - Ibid.
.
( R n\
j7
c h i l d r e n , there are some, who from a variety of c a u s e s , w i l l grow u p in ignorance,
if they r e c e i v e ^ no a s s i s t a n c e from f r i e n d s , a n d as w e b e l i e v e a good education increases our happiness and m e a n s of u s e f u l n e s s , a n d b e i n g a w a r e of the difficulty that
e x i s t s , w i t h i n the limits of some of our m e e t i n g s , in establishing or maintaining
schools u n d e r the care of f r i e n d s , in consequence^it b e c o m e s a duty to recommend to
the Quarterly M e e t i n g , the p r o p r i e t y of suggesting to the Y e a r l y M e e t i n g , that a
benefit w o u l d a r i s e from a fund b e i n g r a i s e d , for the p u r p o s e of a i d i n g such m o n t h l y
m e e t i n g s , as may require it, for the m a i n t e n a n c e of suitable p r i m a r y schools, u n d e r
the care a n d government of F r i e n d s , for the a d v a n c e m e n t of u s e f u l learning in our
society.
>fThe language of our Y e a r l y M e e t i n g , to its m e m b e r s , h e l d in 1 8 1 4 , was
the
difference b e t w e e n a n ignorant a n d a w e l l educated m i n d , is, a t o n c e , great and conspicuous; with natural talents of the same o r d e r , the one is confined to a limited
sphere of u s e f u l n e s s , and is dependent on others for m a n y of the indispensible offices
of social l i f e , while the o t h e r , by the a c q u i s i t i o n of k n o w l e d g e , b e c o m e s capable of
employment, p r o d u c t i v e not only of immediate a n d great advantages to h i m s e l f , but h i s
capacity for u s e f u l n e s s becomes in every respect p r o p o r t i o n a b l y e x t e n d e d , in relation
to his f a m i l y , to his f r i e n d s , to his n e i g h b o u r s a n d the world?'.
V
*}^There never h a s b e e n a t i m e , w h e n r e n e w e d d i l l i g e n c e on our p a r t s , w a s m o r e
called f o r , than at the p r e s e n t , for by the school system of our s t a t e , friends in
some d i s t r i c t s , are taxed for their s u p p o r t , a n d this tax in p a r t g o e s to pay m i l i t a r y
o f f i c e r s , to train children the a r t of w a r .
gned by direction and on behalf of the c o m m i t t e e ,
RICHARD T. BEFTLY.
MARY L . ROBERTS.*'
There is no reference to this a p p e a l of the Y e a r l y M e e t i n g in 1314 in the m i n u t e s
of either the m e n ' s or the women's m e e t i n g s of that year; but in the Y e a r l y M e e t ing's E p i s t l e of I B W ^ p l c ^ w ^ v x j ^ L ^ d L .
i — ^ ^/i^rti^
vEdward Stabler w a s the clerk of this Yearly Meetings a n d a m o n g the representatives
present w e r e Jacob a n d Isaac T y s o n , the y ^ j ^ J .
of Martha T y s o n ' s h u s b a n d .
±
ti
i
^
s '
^
s
This Report coming u p in 1 8 5 2 from B a l t i m o r e Quarterly M e e t i n g b r o u g h t the
whole subject of education a m o n g Friends v e r y impressively b e f o r e the Y e a r l y M e e t i n g
of that y e a r .
J
T h e a c t i o n taken by the M e n ' s Y e a r l y M e e t i n g in response to the Quarterly
M e e t i n g ' s appeal is recorded in the f o l l o w i n g m i n u t e :
y^The interesting s u b j e c t of i n c r e a s e d a t t e n t i o n to the education of the children of F r i e n d s , b e i n g brought to the a t t e n t i o n of the Y e a r l y M e e t i n g , b y a Report o n
the s u b j e c t , from Baltimore Q u a r t e r l y M e e t i n g , it w a s , a f t e r a time o^weighty delibera t i o n , concluded to refer the subject to the f o l l o w i n g F r i e n d s , to act w i t h a similar
Committee of W o m e n F r i e n d s , to c o n s i d e r a n d report to a future s i t t i n g , what m e a s u r e s ,
if a n y , can be a d o p t e d by this m e e t i n g , for the futherance of this deeply important
c o n c e r n , v i z : L l o y d H o r r i s , Daniel Pope", J e h u P r i c e , Abel A . H u l l , W m . H . W r i g h t ,
Joshua Russell, Geo. W . Cook, Edward Jessop, Daniel Walker, Henry Janney, John Smith,
W m . B . Steer, A s a Jones, Wm. P . Lewin, Joseph Roman Jr., W m . Hopkins, John Russell,
N a t h a n H a m m o n d , T h o s . W i l s o n a n d S a m e l Kirk.*'
.
1
/u^**^ > % f t —
T h e W o m e n ' s Y e a r l y M e e t i n g took the f o l l o w i n g a c t i o n :
"A Report on the inter-
esting subject of e d u c a t i o n , w a s received from B a l t i m o r e Quarterly M e e t i n g , ' w h i c h w a s
read, and after c o n s i d e r a t i o n , w a s referred to a committee a p p o i n t e d to u n i t e w i t h
Men Friends in consideration of the subject."
The p r i n t e d
tracts* do not give the
names of the w o m e n appointed to this joint committee; but the Manuscript minutes of
the meeting give
them a s M a r t h a E . T y s o n , Ifery L . R o b e r t s , E l i s a M a r s h , R e b e c c a T u r n e r
Mary W e b b , Mary C h a l f o n t , M a r y C o o k , Elisa M c Coy, M a r g a r e t E . H a l l o w e l l , E l i s a b e t h
Smedley a n d Jane T o w n s e n d .
A t the same session of the W o m e n ' s Y e a r l y M e e t i n g , its own Committee on Educa.tion a n d the Distribution of B o o k s p r e s e n t e d the following report: ! ; ,#They a r e induced
to b e l i e v e , from the various interesting reports sent u p from a n u m b e r of the M o n t h l y
Meetings that a p r o g r e s s i v e interest is felt in the important subject of education
throughout the branches of the Y e a r l y M e e t i n g .
-
R e t r a c t s from the M i n u t e s of the Y e a r l y M e e t i n g of F r i e n d s h e l d a t L o m b a r d Street
in t h e City of B a l t i m o r e , 1 8 5 2 f . 1 1 :
^ / i S t ^ W ^ ,
I b i d , Women's Friends' E x t r a c t s , jp. ^ J / ^ J L ^ j d ^
{ '<• - In the M $ . M i n u t e s , this is w r i t t e n "Baltimore M M e e t i n g . .
- ^Extracts
Worn en's) , 1 8 5 2 , "pp. 7 - 8 .
/ O
V w e f i n d , that w i t h i n the l i m i t s of F a i r f a x Quarterly M e e t i n g , there is one
boarding school for g i r l s - one school u n d e r the care of a Monthly M e e t i n g - there
are also fifteen schools taught b y m e m b e r s of our s o c i e t y , at w h i c h five h u n d r e d a n d
eighty-six children a r e in a t t e n d a n c e , ninety-four of w h o m a.re F r i e n d s ' c h i l d r e n .
We have not r e c e i v e d as full reports from the Committees in other Quarterly M e e t i n g s ,
but we find there are a m o n g t h e m , three b o a r d i n g s c h o o l s , thirteen schools taught b y
F r i e n d s , a n d two u n d e r the care of M o n t h l y M e e t i n g s .
A t
Centre M o n t h l y M e e t i n g , w e are i n f o r m e d , there is a school taught by a
m e m b e r of our s o c i e t y , a n d one about to b e established u n d e r the ca.re of the Monthly
Meeting.
J % e h a v e had the e x i s t e n c e of twelve libraries reported to u s , a n d find tha^t
t h e y , a n d the schools already e s t a b l i s h e d , are m o s t l y in a p r o s p e r o u s c o n d i t i o n , although in some n e i g h b o r h o o d s , the p u b l i c schools interfere to the detriment of those
u n d e r the care of F r i e n d s .
/ T h e b o a r d i n g schools m e n t i o n e d , a r e v a l u a b l e o n e s , a n d a r e supplied w i t h competent
teachers.
<**The report from the P u r c h a s i n g Committee s t a t e s , that one h u n d r e d volumes
having b e e n distributed during the p a s t y e a r , the a m o u n t expended is n i n e t y - n i n e
dollars a n d sixty-nine cents."
T h e Committee do n o t feel discouraged in their efforts for the advancement
of this great w o r k , b u t w o u l d a s k the Y e a r l y M e e t i n g still to continue its support
and cooperation in their future labors for its p r o m o t i o n .
/Si
gned on b e h a l f of the C o m m i t t e e ,
1
ifc/7
PHEBE WHISHT.*
- This special committee of the W o m e n ' s Y e a r l y r'eeting w a s continued for 1 8 5 2 - 5 3 .
A t a later session of t h A y e a r l y M e e t i n g the joint committee a p p o i n t e d a s
a b o v e ^ p r e s e n t e d ^ t h e follawir.g report^
^
^
^
^
r^i^^Z
^
*
/"*0he Committee a p p o i n t e d at a former s i t t i n g , to u n i t e w i t h a Committee of
Women F r i e n d s , on the subject of E d u c a t i o n , p r o d u c e d the following r e p o r t , w h i c h w a s
read a n d u n i t e d w i t h , a n d the same Friends w e r e requested to b r i n g forward to a future
s i t t i n g , the n a m e s of suitable F r i e n d s to act on a C o m m i t t e e to carry out the recomm e n d a t i o n s of the R e p o r t , viz;
l
* / T h e joint Committee of m e n a n d w o m e n F r i e n d s , to w h o m w a s referred the subject
of "the education of the children of Friends," a f t e r deliberate c o n s i d e r a t i o n , h a v e
a g r e e d to recommend to the Y e a r l y M e e t i n g , the appointment of a Committee to p r o p o s e
to a future sitting, the n a m e s of suitable F r i e n d s to serve a s a joint Committee on
Education;, w h i c h Committee shall a p p o r t i o n araong its m e m b e r s the duty of v i s i t i n g each
p a r t i c u l a r m e e t i n g w i t h i n the bounds of this Y e a r l y M e e t i n g , to a s c e r t a i n the n u m b e r of
children within their limits of suitable age to go to s c h o o l , a n d whether opportunity
is a f f o r d e d them of acquiring the common b r a n c h e s of a good E n g l i s h e d u c a t i o n , a n d to
report to the C o m m i t t e e , their judgment of the a m o u n t of a i d (if a n y ) such neighborhood m a y r e q u i r e , a n d the p r o p e r m o d e of rendering it; together w i t h any other inform a t i o n in relation to the subject of e d u c a t i o n , w h i c h they m a y deem i m p o r t a n t .
It is further r e c o m m e n d e d , that the Y e a r l y M e e t i n g raise the sum of four hundred d o l l a r s , to be u s e d at the d i s c r e t i o n of the joint C o m m i t t e e , in aiding such
meetings as cannot f u r n i s h to the children w i t h i n their l i m i t s , the necessary a m o u n t
of education without p e c u n i a r y a i d .
T h e C o m m i t t e e to report to n e x t Y e a r l y Meeting."^
^ Signed b y d i r e c t i o n , a n d o n b e h a l f of the C o m m i t t e e .
/
L L O Y D NORRIS*
k„
f
Balto. 10th m o , 27th, 1 8 5 2 A
MARTHA S . TYSOH.
1
1
^Extracts** (Men's). p o T ~ 1 3 - 14; •fljitmaa" (-Women. s)f-Bp*—6
tK T h e same
a c t i o n was taken b y the W o m e n ' s m e e t i n g ; ^ E x t r a c t 6 ; a n d the same report
w a s p r e s e n t e d to the W o m e n ' s m e e t i n g ; ^ E x t r a c t g * , p p . 6 - 7 .
2
1
<^h.e Committee appointed, o n the subject at a former sitting, p r o d u c e d the
following r e p o r t , w h i c h was a p p r o v e d , a n d the Friends therein n a m e d a p p o i n t e d to the
service, a n d they w e r e a u t h o r i s e d to draw o n the T r e a s u r e r of this M e e t i n g , for funds
i
A*.
furtherance of the object committed to their c a r e , to a n a m o u n t not over four
hundred dollars, viz:
/ The committee ap-oointed to b r i n g f o r w a r d suitable names to serve on the coror-
r
?
mittee * f o r the Education of the Children of F r i e n d s ^ f o r the ensuing y e a r , p r o p o s e
the f o l l o w i n g , to wit:
J^k
Samuel T o w n s e n d ,
Abel A . Hull,
Joel Matthews,
Richard T . Bentley,
Lloyd Uorris,
Benjamin Hallowell,
Joel Lupton,
John Smith,
Cyrus G r i e s t ,
Barzillai Garretson,
-Edward J e s s o p ,
David G . Mc C o y ,
Asa Jones,
Joseph Thomas,
J o s e p h R o m a n , Jr.//
John Russell,
•Uathan H a m m o n d ,
Thomas W i l s o n ,
Samuel K i r k ,
Eliza Marsh,
^ ^ W h i c h is submitted*
Mary G . Moore,
Mary Boberts,
Martha E . Tyson,
Eebecea Turner, ,
Jane S. Townsend,
Susan J o n e s ,
Louisa Steer,
Thomasin Walker,
Margaret E . H a l l o w e l l ,
Rebecca Wood,
Beulah Haynes,
Fhebe Wright,
Mary A n n Chalfant,
Sarah R u s s e l l ,
Elizabeth S m e d l e y ,
Mary Hoopes,
Rebecca T . Roman,
Eliza Shaw,
Mary Way,
Hannah Wilson,
S i g n e d b y d i r e c t i o n , a n d on b e h a l f of the c o m m i t t e e .
I. 1 0 t h m o . 2 7 t h , 1852
.
> .«
E L I Z A B E T H SMEDLEY ,
LLOYD NORRIS.
*
"
T h e x c o m m i t t e e thus a p p o i n t e d b y the Y e a r l y M e e t i n g in 1 8 5 2 m e t in B a l t i m o r e
on the 1 0 t h / of Fourth M o n t h , 1 8 5 3 , a n d a d o p t e d a n a d d r e s s "to the m e m b e r s of the
M o n t h l y a n d P r e p a r a t i v e M e e t i n g s , composing B a l t i m o r e Y e a r l y M e e t i n g of Friends."
T h e a d d r e s s was signed "on b e h a l f of the committee" b y Sam'l T o w n s e n d , B e n j ' n H a l l o w ell, R e b e c c a T u r n e r , a n d M a r t h a E . T y s o n ; b u t a g a i n the educational ideals of Martha
xo
T y s o n a n d Benjamin Hallowell a r e clearly predominant in i t .
.^Sfc^t. Extracts from it were p u b l i s h e d in the F r i e n d s ' I n t e l l i g e n c e r , V o l . XI (October
•
1 4 , 1 8 5 4 ) , p p . 475 - J 6 .
U ^
& j ^ t U f y ^ :
^Ufc,*'
n
u
•
*
*
r
^
^
W / 3
It a p p e a l s , f i r s t , for a m o r e liberal p r o v i s i o n of education in l o c a l
F r i e n d s " s c h o o l s , so that b o t h intellectual a n d religious training m a y be g i v e n to the
childreni
/ T h e r e i s , c e r t a i n l y , no r e l i g i o n in ignorance; n e i t h e r i s it p r e t e n d e d
( »» *
that the m e r e cultivation of the intellectual p o w e r s w i l l impart v i r t u e . !
Continual
labor is necessary to p r o c u r e i n t e l l e c t u a l , m o r a l a n d religious b l e s s i n g s offered
by the F a t h e r of l i g h t s , a n d to learn t o ^ r e a d in the great v o l u m e of nature that is
4
constantly a n d b e n e v o l e n t l y open b e f o r e u s . ^
8 e c o n d l y , it suggests the need of "teachers w h o , w h i l e they p o s s e s s the necessary literary q u a l i f i c a t i o n s , m a y p o s s e s s also a p u r e a n d subdued spirit."
The
"guarded education" to b e e x t e n d e d by these t e a c h e r s / — "consistent a n d concerned
m e m b e r s of the S o c i e t y " t — should b y no m e a n s b e l i m i t e d , a s it frequently i s , "in
its m e a n i n g and p r a c t i c a l a i m to dress a n d a d d r e s i " , , t o the "plainness of speech,
deportment a n d apparel" p r e s c r i b e d b y the D i s c i p l i n e .
O n the c o n t r a r y , it is of
equal importance to inculcate the spirit of h a p p i n e s s a n d joy w h i c h results from
obedience to Cod's commands r e v e a l e d in the soul a n d in a l l the u n i v e r s e .
QuJbd—crv-"—
M
i n I>.SL
jjLuZtU*
~/~ae, / 1
v iu',.
T h e committee anboaied this srcldress in its report to the Y e a r l y M e e t i n g of
1 8 5 3 , the m e n ' s b r a n c h of w h i c h r e c o r d e d the f o l l o w i n g m i n u t e :
/ T h e following report from the S t a n d i n g Committee on E d u c a t i o n w a s r e c e i v e d
and r e a d , a n d w a s s a t i s f a c t o r y .
T h e C o m m i t t e e w a s c o n t i n u e d , w i t h the a d d i t i o n of
the name of Samuel M . J a n n e y , v i z : " T o the Y e a r l y M e e t i n g , now sitting: «
/The
Committee on E d u c a t i o n report - they m e t on the 2 7 t h of 10th m o n t h ,
1 8 5 2 , a n d p r o c e e d e d to the appointment of Sub-Committees to a t t e n d to the duties req u i r e d , w i t h i n the limits of the different quarterly m e e t i n g s .
A n d a t a n adjourned
m e e t i n g h e l d on the 1 2 t h of 3 d m o n t h > 1 8 5 2 ^ | l W b ' ^ ; the following statistical
statements
w e r e r e c e i v e d , of the children of F r i e n d s o f suitable a g e to a t t e n d s c h o o l s , from
w i t h i n the limiti^Lll the m o n t h l y m e e t i n g s , c o m p o s i n g the different q u a r t e r s , except
XI-
^ x t r a c t f ^ W " ' a Muulfaftgj, 1853,p^,. I I - } f .
»
1 those of C e n t r e , from w h i c h no report has b e e n r e c e i v e d ,
vizZtZmmm^^J^
J
!
/fThe report then lists the various m o n t h l y m e e t i n g s w i t h i n four of the f i v e
quarterly meetings a n d shows that there were in their schools "1337 children of
F r i e n d s , of suitable age to go to s c h o o l , of w h i c h a t t e n d schools u n d e r the care o f ,
a n d taught b y Friends (not n a m i n g district schools taught by F r i e n d s ) , 336 children."
The report then p r o c e e d s : / T h i s a c c o u n t informs u s that w i t h i n the compass of our
\—
j Yearly M e e t i n g , excepting Centre q u a r t e r , not r e p o r t e d , one t h o u s a n d and one of our
| y o u t h f u l m e m b e r s are without suitable schools u n d e r the care of Friends; m o s t h a v e
\ opportunities of a t t e n d i n g p u b l i c schools taught a b o u t five m o n t h s in the y e a r .
We
%
%
\ believe w h e r e sufficient m e a n s a r e a f f o r d e d for the p a y m e n t of t e a c h e r s , there h a s not
i been a n evidence of i n t e r e s t , w h i c h a l l thoughtful p a r e n t s should feel for the p r o p e r
; cultivation of the m i n d s of their o f f s p r i n g .
If w e b e l i e v e the truth of the a n c i e n t
0
p r o v e r b , that - <« ignorance is the m o t h e r 4f v i c e * , a n important inquiry suggests itself, m a y not some effort b e m a d e to change this state of t h i n g s , so as to relieve
or a r o u s e our brethren from their p r e s e n t condition?*''
A t the suggestion of the s u b c o m m i t t e e for F a i r f a x Q u a r t e r l y M e e t i n g , the comm i t t e e a p p o i n t e d another/Sub-f committee to set forth in an a d d r e s s the object w h i c h
"the Y e a r l y M e e t i n g had in view in the apoointment of the Committee on E d u c a t i o n , .
v
%
in a clear a n d comprehensive manner."
At its m e e t i n g on the 15th of the 3rd m o n t h , 1 8 5 3 , the committee a g r e e d that
a school-house should be built for W a r r i n g t o n P r e p a r a t i v e M e e t i n g . A n d at its m e e t i n g
on the lDth of the 4th m o n t h , the s u b c o m m i t t e e on the address p r e s e n t e d its report,
'w'
"which being r e a d , u n d e r a n a b i d i n g h o p e , that its v i e w s m a y p r o v e s a l u t a r y , was
a p p r o v e d , a n d 500 copies ordered to b e p r i n t e d in p a m p h l e t form f o r distribution."
T h e committee was informed at its m e e t i n g on the 30th of the 10th m o n t h , 1 8 5 3 ,
that the 500 copies of the a d d r e s s h a d b e e n p r i n t e d a t a n expense of twelve d o l l a r s .
The closing p a r a g r a p h of the committee's report to the Y e a r l y M e e t i n g of
3 A-
{0 » 2)
)
f
1853 w a s a s follows:
A ? h e committee a r e encouraged in the b e l i e f , that in m a n y p a r t s of our Y e a r l y
M e e t i n g , increased interest and concern a r e felt in the cause of E d u c a t i o n , and they
greatly desire that the m i n d s of f r i e n d s , throughout our entire b o r d e r s , m a y be m o r e
and m o r e , a w a k e n e d to its i m p o r t a n c e , u n t i l a l l our youth,shall be so far e d u c a t e d , a s
to render them best f i t t e d for fulfilling their v a r i o u s allotments in l i f e , and for
g u a r d i n g themselves from the m a r y s u p e r s t i t i o n s , a n d destructive delusions which so
hurtfully a b o u n d .
B y the term e d u c a t i o n , we do not m e a n m e r e l y b o o k l e a r n i n g , but
the true cultivation of the faculties of the m i n d a n d h e a r t , w i t h w h i c h a k i n d P r o v i dence has b l e s s e d our o f f s p r i n g , a n d to the successful cultivation of w h i c h , the experience a n d intelligence of those that are o l d e r , so greatly c o n t r i b u t e ,
/ s i g n e d by direction and on b e h a l f of the C o m m i t t e e ,
LLOYD NORRIS,
eh.
HAIT17AH W I L S O N . ^
T h e w o m e n in their Y e a r l y M e e t i n g of 1 8 5 3 , recorded the f o l l o w i n g m i n u t e :
PAn interesting report from the joint committee^on the subject of e d u c a t i o n , was read
and a p p r o v e d .
The committee w a s continued w i t h the a d d i t i o n of L y d i a W i e r m a n ,
Margaret M a t t h e w s , P h i l e n a M a t t h e w s , M a r y H i b b e r d , Sarah L u p t o n , T a c y M . J e w e t t , a n d
Ruth ... K i r k .
Q ^ J J j ^ ^
) t Sty-'
T h i s joint "Committee on E d u c a t i o n of B a l t i m o r e Y e a r l y M e e t i n g of F r i e n d s , O n
the subject of a B o a r d i n g - S c h o o l f o r F r i e n d s ' C h i l d r e n a n d for the E d u c a t i o n of
Teachers]' h e l d a m e e t i n g in B a l t i m o r e on the 1st/ of N i n t h M o n t h , 1 8 5 4 , a n d a d o p t e d
an extended R e p o r t .
The increase of crime*"in a m u c h greater ratio than the population"^ side by
side w i t h a "greatly increased a t t e n t i o n to the subject of e d u c a t i o n " , in b o t h the
U n i t e d States a n d Great B r i t a i n since 1 8 3 0 , w a s p o i n t e d out first in the Report; a n d
an important cause of this failure of "the confident pr^dy^ction of the friends of
u n i v e r s a l education" w a s stated to be "the too exclusive cultivation of the intellectual f a c u l t i e s , without sufficient regard to a corresponding development of the m o r a l
powers."
The example of W e s t t o w n School w a s then cited a s f o l l o w s : - < % e s t - t o w n B o a r d i n g
S c h o o l , a l t h o u g h some of its features m a y n o t , at all t i m e s , h a v e b e e n free from obj e c t i o n s , h a s yet b e e n the m e a n s of a vast a m o u n t of g o o d , b y combining the m o r a l w i t h
the intellectual c u l t u r e .
A s a nursery for t e a c h e r s , t o o , the b e n e f i t s of this in-
stitution h a v e b e e n v e r y great to the c o m m u n i t y , in that a n d the adjacent sections of
country.
T h e b e s t schools a v a i l a b l e to F r i e n d s ' c h i l d r e n , for the last forty y e a r s ,
"3r- "Minutes of the Y e a r l y M e e t i n g of W o m e n F r i e n d s , h e l d at L o m b a r d S t r e e t , in the
^
City of B a l t i m o r e , 1853'! , f . 9J A U ^ ^ t
T h i s report was p u b l i s h e d in the F r i e n d s ' I n t e l l i g e n c e r , V o l . XI (October 7 a n d
1 4 , 1 8 5 4 ) , iPp. 4 5 7 - ^ 9 , 473 -J5.
3
/ . A\
V3327
7
h a v e b e e n , a l m o s t e x c l u s i v e l y , u n d e r the charge of p e r s o n s who were scholars
or teachers at W e s t - t o w n , or who were educated "by those that h a d b e e n . *
T h e R e p o r t then expressed "the settled c o n c l u s i o n , that the b e s t interests of
our Society demand, a n i n s t i t u t i o n , w h e r e our c h i l d r e n can receive a n education, in its
true s e n s e , b y the simultaneous cultivation of their intellectual a n d m o r a l p o w e r s ,
a n d where y o u n g Friends can be p r o p e r l y p r e p a r e d to take charge of schools."
T h e p r o p e r training of teachers then receives a short b u t illuminating discussion.
ant.*
"Mere telling is not teaching."
^ L e a r n i n g a n d thinking a r e f a r m o r e import-
T h e m i n d ' s a b i l i t y "to a i d itself in the a c q u i s i t i o n of knowledge" is "the
great end at w h i c h a judicious instructor w i l l a i m .
It m a y b e emphatically a s s e r t e d ,
that every i n d i v i d u a l , who is e d u c a t e d a t a l l , is s e l f - e d u c a t e d .
H i s t e a c h e r s , like
his dictionary a n d other b o o k s , are m e r e l y a i d s to h i s own e f f o r t s .
on individual industry a n d exertion."
All depends
T h i s fundamental c o n c e p t i o n of education l e d
the committee to insist on fundamental qualifications of the t e a c h e r , including
b e s i d e s s c h o l a r s h i p , " a k n o w l e d g e of h i s own h e a r t , p e r f e c t s e l f - g o v e r n m e n t , a n d a n
acquaintance w i t h the springs of a c t i o n
in the y o u t h f u l company a r o u n d himj he m u s t
u n d e r s t a n d how to t e a c h , w h i c h is as much a n art a s a n y other v o c a t i o n , a n d one in
w h i c h important rules can b e i m p a r t e d , a n d should b e acquired."
Thus, without using
the names "psychology" a n d "pedagogy"', .the R e p o r t a n t i c i p a t e s the essential a i d of
V
these sciences; a n d it points o u t , as the ill results of the l a c k of t h e m , a great
loss of time to the c h i l d , the h a b i t of idleness o r superficial s t u d y , the distlte f o r
vigorous intellectual exertion a n d strict m e n t a l d i s c i p l i n e , a n d the loss of selfrespect due to a consciousness of not h a v i n g p e r f o r m e d w h a t could a n d ought to h a v e
been done.
T h e Report then stresses the p e c u l i a r duty of the Society of F r i e n d s to g i v e
its children a "liberal e d u c a t i o r ^ , ;S0 that they m a y b e h e l p e d to h e a r a n d u n d e r s t a n d
V ^ N j T h e recent trend of education in o u r b e s t schools a n d c o l l e g e s , a n d especially the
^ " ^ s y s t e m of "reading for honors?"),introduced into Swarthmore College in 1 9 2 2 , a r e interesting confirmation of this p i o n e e r a n d p r o p h e t i c spirit of three-quarters
of a century a g o .
t m
a r i g h t God's own teaching b y the Voice W i t h i n .
11
U n l e s s this is d o n e , u n d e r Friendly
care a n d a t m o d e r a t e e x p e n s e , the Society's children w i l l "be g r a v e l y h a n d i c a p p e d a n d
the Society's own existence w i l l h e p l a c e d in j e o p a r d y ^ —
especially in v i e w of the
eager efforts of other religious societies to e s t a b l i s h their denominational
schools.
The "liberal education" suggested b y the R e p o r t should b e P.equal to that of
one of our best institutions of learning^ a n d it should i n c l u d e , e s p e c i a l l y , "an
extensive practical acquaintance w i t h the natural s c i e n c e s , as C h e m i s t r y , Natural
Philosophy, Astronomy, Geology, and Botany.
P h y s i o l o g y should also b e studied, so far
as to give them a k n o w l e d g e of their own p h y s i c a l s y s t e m , a n d of those laws which it is
n e c e s s a r y to observe in order to m a i n t a i n them in health."
T h e stress laid b y the R e p o r t u p o n the p h y s i c a l sciences was p r o b a b l y contributed by B e n j a m i n Hallowell; a n d it was also c h a r a c t e r i s t i c of h i m to a d v o c a t e the study
I f L
4
of them teeth for the p u r p o s e f o f r e v e a l i n g external n a t u r e to c h i l d r e n , a n d | W * i n d u c a w *
them to "look through Nature u p to N a t u r e ' s God; o r , a s the R e p o r t states i t , "to
'
direct their y o u n g m i n d s to the m u l t i p l i e d evidences w h i c h a r e continually m a n i f e s t e d
around them in the w o r k s of the o u t w a r d c r e a t i o n , of the g o o d n e s s , w i s d o m , a n d p o w e r
of the Great A u t h o r of their existence."
T h e Report recommended t h a t , while p r e f e r e n c e should b e g i v e n to F r i e n d s '
c h i l d r e n , others should b e a d m i t t e d to the s c h o o l , p r o v i d e d these w o u l d "conform to
such regulations as Friends m i g h t think p r o p e r to a d o p t for the government of the
school."
These rules should include " s i m p l i c i t y of dress a n d a d d r e s s , a n d m o d e r a t e
e x p e n d i t u r e , so as to be good examples of economy a n d m o d e r a t i o n , a n d thus have m o r e
ample resoureesjwith w h i c h to do good."
A l l such rules should be "under the precious
influence of love"; a n d their s a n c t i o n should b e f o u n d in a g r o w i n g k n o w l e d g e of right
a n d w r o n g , of the "hideousness a n d m i s e r y that lie concealed b e h i n d the enticing
front of error and v i c e , w h i l e b e h i n d the coarse a n d u n i n v i t i n g v e i l of v i r t u e , there
are transcendent b e a u t y a n d l o v e l i n e s s , a n d the a d o r n i n g s of p l a i n n e s s , s i m p l i c i t y ,
g e n t l e n e s s , q u i e t n e s s , and m e e k n e s s , a n d everything that tends to h a p p i n e s s in this
/f
l i f e , a n d to everlasting "bliss in the w o r l d to come."
W h i l e the R e p o r t lays stress
u p o n rules w h i c h l e a d rather than d r i v e , it strongly deprecates the too p r e v a l e n t
emphasis laid by Friends u p o n "attendance of m e e t i n g s a n d a n a d h e r e n c e to p l a i n n e s s
of dress a n d a d d r e s s , which instead of b e i n g l o o k e d u p o n a s the result of r e l i g i o n ,
are m a d e so important a p a r t of the test of b e i n g a F r i e n d that they have come to be
regarded b y m a n y as b e i n g themselves religious p r i n c i p l e s - a s b e i n g the distinguish•^^pharacteristics u p o n w h i c h our religion is b a s e d . " ^
<^This l i b e r a l i t y aa to the externals of Q u a k e r i s m is h i g h l y characteristic of
M a r t h a T y s o n , so often expressed in m e e t i n g s for w o r s h i p a n d d i s c i p l i n e ; a n d is
reminiscent of B e n j a m i n H a l l o w e l l ' s system of rules for h i s own school w h i c h comprised
only t w o , n a m e l y , "be good boys" a n d "learn all y o u can."
The insufficient a t t e n t i o n p a i d by F r i e n d s to p r o v i d i n g for their children
"innocent recreation a n d amusement" is d e p l o r e d by the R e p o r t , w h i c h p o i n t s to this
neglect as a p r i m e cause of the separation of the y o u n g e r Friends from their elders
a n d from the S o c i e t y .
"A right a n d rational m o d e of gratifying" the natural desire
for a m u s e m e n t , "by p r o p e r investigation a n d s t u d y , can u n d o u b t e d l y b e a s c e r t a i n e d
a n d supplied."
T h e Report closes w i t h a n earnest a p p e a l to the w h o l e Society to support the
p r o p o s e d s c h o o l , a n d b a s e s its a p p e a l u p o n the belief "that si^ce the first rise of
the S o c i e t y , there never has b e e n a time w h e n there was greater n e c e s s i t y t h a n the
p r e s e n t , for these important testimonies [namely, "the religious testimonies that
Friends h a v e long been concerned to h o l d u p to the w o r l d ^ to be rightly u n d e r s t o o d ,
1 1
a n d spread a m o n g the peoplej; ? a n d that there m u s t b e a d e q u a t e l y trained " a succession
of instruments a m o n g our descendants to u p h o l d them."
couragement a n d p r o m i s e .
Its last n o t e is one of en-
"The a m o u n t of influence f o r g o o d w h i c h w o u l d emanate f r o m
an institution of l e a r n i n g w h e r e sentiments l i k e those w e have endeavored to p r e s e n t
in this r e p o r t , are constantly s u s t a i n e d , can scarcely be estimated."
V -
H e r e i n , of c o u r s e p a r t of the justification for the e x t e n s i v e s y s t e m of
e
a t h l e t i c games a n d sports a n d v a r i o u s social recreations w h i c h h a V g o o w n u p in
Swarthmore C o l l e g e .
The committee state that their R e p o r t h a d b e e n read, d e l i b e r a t e l y c o n s i d e r e d ,
u n a n i m o u s l y approved and a d o p t e d , a n d "earnestly recommended to the serious consideration of Friends."
It w a s d a t e d " B a l t i m o r e , 9th m o . 1st 1854," a n d signed b y n i n e m e n
a n d seven w o m e n , as follows: Samuel M . J a n n e y , Samuel T o w n s e n d , B e n j . H a l l o w e l l ,
Lloyd Morris, Joseph Roman^, Joseph Thomas, John Smith, Edward Jessup, Richard T .
B e n t l e y , M a r t h a E . T y s o n , R e b e c c a T u r n e r , M . S . ^Margaret e J
Hallowell, Eliza March,
Mary Hoopes, Rebecca T . Romans, and Fhilena Matthews.
To m a k e their Report s p e c i f i c , the committee a p p e n d e d to it the "Synopsis of
a plan" w h i c h included the following p r o v i s i o n s for f i n a n c e , I o c s t i o n 4 a n d teachertraining.
M e m b e r s of the several Y e a r l y M e e t i n g s should subscribe ( i n d i v i d u a l l y , a n d not
b y m e e t i n g s ) the sum of $ 5 0 , 0 0 0 ^ ; o n e - f o u r t h of the subscription to b e p a y a b l e each
y e a r f o r four years; subscribers to receive shares of stock; "the stockholders to
elect the trustees or m a n a g e r s of the s c h o o l , a l l cf w h o m , of c o u r s e , must b e m e m b e r s
of the Society of F r i e n d s .
T h e sum s u b s c r i b e d ^ — w h i c h now l o o k s very m o d e s t i n d e e d ,
in comparison with Swarthmore's p r e s e n t endowment of some eight m i l l i o n dollars,?-— w a s
to be u s e d "for the erection of the n e c e s s a r y buildings
ings ^nothing
£noth
is sadd a s to the
p u r c h a s e of l a n d j , p u r c h a s e of suitable p h i l o s o p h i c a l a n d chemical a p p a r a t u s , a n d for
the p u r p o s e of a f u n d , the interest of w h i c h to b e u s e d towards educating young
»
F r i e n d s for t e a c h e r s .
T h e location of the school w a s to b e chosen b y the s t o c k h o l d e r s .
Within
four y e a r s , there should be erected "buildings suitable to a c c o m m o d a t e o n e h u n d r e d
b o y s ; a n d , after this school shall h a v e got into successful o p e r a t i o n , to erect other
b u i l d i n g s , at a distance of from half a m i l e to a m i l e from the f o r m e r to a c c o m m o d a t e
one h u n d r e d girls."
This t i m i d a p p r o a c h t o w a r d co-education w a s l a t e r discarded at
4
S w a r t h m o r e , w h i c h a d o p t e d from the start full c o e d u c a t i o n , the b o y s a n d girls s h a r i n g
the same d o r m i t o r y , class-rooms a n d l a b o r a t o r i e s .
T h e committee of 1854 did c o n c e d e ,
z
i
h o w e v e r , that "the "fcu.ild.ings f o r the a c c o m m o d a t i o n of "both sexes could h e erected
simultaneously, if thought preferable."
F o r the training of t e a c h e r s , "when y o u n g F r i e n d s of e i t h e r sex feel inclined
to b e c o m e t e a c h e r ^ , , they w e r e to be "taken into the institution f o r a time (one t e r m )
on trial" (gratuitously, if l a c k i n g "pecuniary m e a n s to educate themselves a s thoroughly
»
as desirea); t h e n , "if found to p o s s e s s qualities l i k e l y to fit them a s t e a c h e r s , let
them b e fully educated."
The expense of their t r a i n i n g "would b e expected to be re-
turned to the i n s t i t u t i o n , life a n d h e a l t h p e r m i t t i n g , in a n n u a l p a y m e n t s , within a
specified p e r i o d , say ten years" a f t e r g r a d u a t i o n .
O n e chief object of the school w o u l d
be "to supply schools in different n e i g h b o r h o o d s w i t h competent a n d efficient t e a c h e r s ,
m e m b e r s of the S o c i e t y , w i t h w h o m F r i e n d s ' children could b e safely a n d a d v a n t a g e o u s l y
entrusted."
% u J L
AO^t^, J l ^ t ^ , JgiHi
This R e p o r t of 1854 h a s b e e n S u m m a r i z e d h e r e in e x t e n s o , since it contains
2-1
^ T ^ V
several foundation-stones of Swarthmore C o l l e g e .
It w a s p r e s e n t e d j b y the committee to
the Yearly M e e t i n g of 1 8 5 4 , the m e n ' s b r a n c h r e c e i v i n g it w i t h the f o l l o w i n g m i n u t e :
^ T h e Standing Committee on E d u c a t i o n ^ p r o d u c e d the following r e p o r t , w h i c h w a s
a p p r o v e d , a n d the p r o c e e d i n g s of the C o m m i t t e e s a t i s f a c t o r y .
; directed to b e p a i d b y our T r e a s u r e r .
;
T h e sum a s k e d f o r , w a s
T h e C o m m i t t e e w e r e continued a n d encouraged to
p r o c e e d to a s c e r t a i n w h e t h e r the n e c e s s a r y sunount o f funds can b e raised in the m a n n e r
proposed.
T h e Y e a r l y M e e t i n g responds to the v i e w s of the C o m m i t t e e , on the importance
of the subject, t o the w e l f a r e of the rising g e n e r a t i o n , a n d the b e s t interests of
S o c i e t y , viz:
- A n a r t i c l e on C o f e d u c a t i o n , w h i c h a p p e a r e d in the F r i e n d s ' I n t e l l i g e n c e r for 3 r d ^
M o n t h , 1 8 , 1 8 5 4 /copied from the H o m e J o u r n a l ) a d v o c a t e d for the "perfect school"
l " b o t h b o y s a n d g i r l s , instructed by b o t h m e n a n d women."
- ^Extracts'*- (Men's M e e t i n g ) , 1 8 5 4 , p p . IS - 21.
i^Ihe Committee on E d u c a t i o n report to the Y e a r l y M e e t i n g now s i t t i n g , that
they have met several times during the p a s t y e a r , o n the important subject committed
to their c h a r g e , and h a v e continued to receive from the different p a r t s of the Y e a r l y
M e e t i n g , evidences of a n u n c e a s i n g concern f o r the b e t t e r education of our y o u n g p e o p l e , but, in nearly a l l the n e i g h b o u r h o o d s where Friends h a v e established schools, the
difficulty of p r o c u r i n g suitable teachers in m e m b e r s h i p w i t h u s , still continues to b e
a formidable obstacle to c a r r y i n g out the v i e w s a n d w i s h e s of F r i e n d s , in the organizati o n of their schools; thus, the importance of h a v i n g a n Institution u n d e r the care of
s o c i e t y , where Y o u n g Friends can b e p r o p e r l y E d u c a t e d for T e a c h e r s , h a s a g a i n b e e n imp r e s s i v e l y brought to our view* a n d feeling that a w e i g h t of responsibility rested u p o n
society in relation to this s u b j e c t , the Committee w e r
l e d to p r e p a r e a R e p o r t , o r
Essay t h e r e o n , a n d p u b l i s h it for information a n d consideration of F r i e n d s g e n e r a l l y .
It suggests a p l a n for the establishment of a B o a r d i n g School * w h e ^ r e such of our
y o u t h of b o t h s e x e s , a s m a y n e e d a n d desire i t , m a y receive a liberal education u n d e r
the care of society: w h e r e T e a c h e r s can be E d u c a t e d , a n d p r o p e r l y p r e p a r e d to take charge
of Schools in Friends• neighbourhoods: a n d where O r p h a n C h i l d r e n , a n d others whose circumstances require them to b e sent from h o m e to S c h o o l , can r e c e i v e a g u a r d e d educat i o n , a n d a t a m o d e r a t e e x p e n s e . . It p r o p o s e s that funds f o r the p u r p o s e shall b e raised
b y i n d i v i d u a l , v o l u n t a r y subscription; a n d a s a w a n t , similar to that u n d e r w h i c h w e
l a b o u r , is a c k n o w l e d g e d to exist in our n e i g h b o r i n g Y e a r l y M e e t i n g s of P h i l a d e l p h i a a n d
N e w Y o r k , the Committee have reason to h o p e a n d b e l i e v e , that if the concern shall
p r o v e to b e in the orderings of Truth* a n d receive the sanction of this Y e a r l y M e e t i n g ,
subscriptions in a i d of the p r o p o s e d o b j e c t , m a y b e o b t a i n e d from m e m b e r s of those
Yearly Meetings.
It is, t h e r e f o r e , not d e s i g n e d to confine the s u b s c r i p t i o n s , o r the
benefits of the I n s t i t u t i o n , to the m e m b e r s of o u r o w n Y e a r l y M e e t i n g , b u t that they
be open alike to the m e m b e r s of a l l .
v i e w s of the Committee oh the s u b j e c t , a r e m o r e f u l l y set forth in the
23
blishea report referred t o , copies of w h i c h can "be had at the Clerk's t a b l e .
"As the C o m m i t t e e , last y e a r , r e t u r n e d , to the Y e a r l y M e e t i n g about $333 of
e sum previously placed at their d i s p o s a l , they now ask the Yearly M e e t i n g for $54.25
defray the expenses incurred the past y e a r , in c a r r y i n g out what they believed to be
s object of their a p p o i n t m e n t .
"Hoping it may receive from all our m e m b e r s , that serious consideration which
s great importance d e m a n d s , the Committee respectfully submit the subject to the considation of the Yearly M e e t i n g .
"Signed on behalf of the Committee,
BENJAMIN H A L L O W E L L ,
SAMUEL M . J A N N E Y ,
SAMUEL T O W N S E N D ,
REBECCA TURNER,
MARGARET E. HALLOWELL,
M A R T H A E . TYSON."
Benjamin P . Moore was added to the Standing Committee o n Education."
Suspension of the Baltimore P l a n , 1855
T h e Friends of Baltimore having made such noteworthy p r o g r e s s , between 1 8 5 0
i 1854, with their concern for a higher education, it m a y well be a s k e d why they did not
c
Ing it to an e 'rly f r u i t i o n .
The reasons for this are not far to s e e k .
Throughout
s first half of the nineteenth c e n t u r y , as well as in many p r e c e d i n g y e a r s , the care and.
ication of the Indians was a large concern of Baltimore Yearly M e e t i n g .
Since the y e a r
L9, too, it had h a d u n d e r its care the Fair H i l l S c h o o l , located near Sandy Spring,
itgomery County, M a r y l a n d , which w a s devoted chiefly to the primary education of Friends'
Lldren; and this school began in the 1R50's to train a few young Friends to serve as
ichers in other Friends' Schools.
There w a s started, a l s o , about this t i m e , a -promising
29
Lends' school for both boys and girls "within the limits of Fairfax Quarterly Meeting."
- This was the Springdale Boarding School in Loudon C o u n t y , V s . , which Samuel M.Janney
conveyed in 1854 to an Association of F r i e n d s , w h o s e advertisement a p p e a r e d in Friends'
Intelligencer for 12th Mo.,30,1854 (Vol.XI,p.656).S.M.Janney consented to continue in
charge of it for one term; and h e a n d Benjamin H a l l o w e l l were both m e m b e r s of the Association's Executive C o m m i t t e e . See the I n t e l l i g e n c e r , V o l . XIV (1857), p . 3 6 0 ,
-
2 3 - 1
In a d d i t i o n , P h i l a d e l p h i a Y e a r l y M e e t i n g had begun in 1 8 5 0 , b y the appointment
of a large joint committee of m e n and w o m e n F r i e n d s , the p r o m o t i o n of a p l a n to p r o v i d e
a Friends' day school in every M o n t h l y a n d P r e p a r a t i v e M e e t i n g within the Yearly M e e t i n g ,
which should compete with the p u b l i c schools in offering free tuition to all the children
of F r i e n d s .
Should this plan s u c c e e d , it w o u l d be considered a strong
rival to the Baltimore plan of a central b o a r d i n g f s c h o o l .
F o r these reasons c h i e f l y , the p r o m i s i n g movement which b e g a n in 1 8 5 0 f o r
the establishment of a central F r i e n d s ' school of h i g h e r e d u c a t i o n was te;noorarily
suspended.
A m i n u t e of the Y e a r l y M e e t i n g of 1355 thus records its suspension:
/ T h e following Beport from the Standing C o m m i t t e e on E d u c a t i o n res received
and r e a d , a n d was s a t i s f a c t o r y .
/ T h e Committee h a v i n g closed their l a b o r s , a s far a s w a y a t p r e s e n t o p e n s ,
they a r e r e l e a s e d , viz;
„ /
To B a l t i m o r e Y e a r l y M e e t i n g :
d
^ T h e Standing C o m m i t t e e on E d u c a t i o n R e p o r t , that they h a v e h a d several Meet-
ings since last y e a r , a n d w h i l e they j^ilX f e e l the great importance to our religious
b o d y of a S c h o o l , p r o p e r l y organized a n d r i g h t l y c o n d u c t e d , w h e r e i n y o u n g
persons of
b o t h sexes could b e qualified for T e a c h e r s , a n d F r i e n d s ' c h i l d r e n , u n d e r the g u a r d i a n
care of S o c i e t y , receive a liberal e d u c a t i o n , connected w i t h that a c q u a i n t a n c e w i t h
the fundamental principles of the religion w e p r o f e s s , a n d the grounds of those imrp o r t a n t testimonies f o r w h i c h our a n c i e n t w o r t h i e s s u f f e r e d , that w e b e l i e v e might b e
imparted, a n d w o u l d so greatly tend to increase their interest t h e r e i n , w a y h a s yet
not a p p e a r e d to o p e n , to take a c t i v e m e a s u r e s for the immediate establishment of such
an i n s t i t u t i o n .
f S i n c e their original a p p o i n t m e n t , the C o m m i t t e e h a v e g i v e n their a t t e n t i o n a n d
a i d to the Improvement of Schools in some neighborhoods; a n d w i t h i n the limits of Fairfax: Quarterly M e e t i n g , a B o a r d i n g School h a s b e e n established exclusively for F r i e n d s '
c h i l d r e n , in which.twenty-five of each sex a r e a c c o m m o d a t e d .
«
4
tv
The p r o p e r t y , including the b u i l d i n g s a n d seveteen a c r e s of l a n d , h a s b e e n
N
p u r c h a s e d b y M e m b e r s of that (Quarterly M e e t i n g f o r a B o a r d i n g School for F r i e n d s '
children.
One Session of the School h a s b e e n c o m p l e t e d , greatly to the satisfaction
of all c o n c e r n e d , a n d another is at this time in successful o p e r a t i o n .
**Extracts*^ 1 3 5 5 , p p . 25 - 2 6 ?
rux^OL
)
25
I
"The C o m m i t t e e , t h e r e f o r e , in m a k i n g t h i s , t h e i r final R e p o r t to the Y e a r l y
Meeting, f e e l a h o p e t h a t , a l t h o u g h one importa.nt o b j e c t , w h i c h they had m u c h at h e a r t ,
has not been a t t a i n e d , their labors h a v e not been in v a i n , but that seed has b e e n sown
which m a y spring up a n d b e a r fruit to the h o n o r of the great H u s b a n d m a n .
I
"Signed on behalf of the C o m m i t t e e ,
JOSEPH R O M A N , L L O Y D N O R R I S ,
%
R E B E C C A TURNS^,*-
^Baltimore, 10th M o n t h , 2 9 t h , 1 8 5 5 .
A t the same m e e t i n g in w h i c h this a c t i o n was t a k e n , the m e n a c k n o w l e d g e d that
"a concern for the guarded religious education of y o u t h h a s b e e n impressively
revived
in this m e e t i n g " ; but their m i n u t e curtly stated: "The Committee Jon E d u c a t i o n J h a v i n g
c l o s e d ^ their l a b o r s , as f a r as way at p r e s e n t o p e n s , they are released";
w h i l e the
women's y e a r l y m e e t i n g recorded the a b o v e R e p o r t of the Committee w i t h the b r i e f comment
32
that it "was read, a n d the Committee released."
33
A n anonymous w r i t e r of a letter to the F r i e n d s ' I n t e l l i g e n c e r , g i v i n g an account
of the y e a r l y m e e t i n g of this y e a r ^ j g j v e B ^ t h e following p a r a g r a p h on the educational conicern: A report was m a d e by the c o m m i t t e e on education s t a t i n g , in s u b s t a n c e , that the
'school they h a d in prospect for the education of teachers and a f f o r d i n g a. liberal educa^tion to the youth of our s o c i e t y , could not at this time be e s t a b l i s h e d , b u t that friends
of Fairfax Quarterly Meeting; h a d p u r c h a s e d a p r o p e r t y (in L o u d o n C o . , V e . ) and
establish-
I ed a school for the e d u c a t i o n , e x c l u s i v e l y , of F r i e n d s ' children of b o t h s e x e s , which is
! now in successful o p e r a t i o n .
31 32 33 -
I b i d , p . 22
E x t r a c t s , 1 8 5 5 , pfc 7 - 8 .
Vol. XII, p . 537. 7
The disappointment of the two leading a d v o c a t e s of the s c h o o l , n a m e l y M a r t h a
Tyson and B e n j a m i n H a l l o w e l l , can only h e c o n j e c t u r e d , for there a r e extant none of
their expressions of feeling regarding i t .
That shey did not relinquish their ideal
is evident from the action w h i c h they took in 1 3 6 0 , w h i c h did result in the founding
of Swarthmore C o l l e g e .
B e t w e e n the years 1855 a n d 1 8 6 0 , Martha T y s o n continued to serve the Baltimore
meetings in various c a p a c i t i e s , a n d was able to w o r k Ji£^her cherished cause of educa- .
tion by serving on the committees for the distribution of books a m o n g the m o n t h l y
m e e t i n g s ' libraries a n d for the stmervision of the P a i r Hill S c h o o l .
(/^••ny.
..'••• POu-tLu "j '
jf
r
( if-
/ Vlitxl
B e n j a m i n Hallowell continued h i s labors at h i s school in A l e x a n d r i a u n t i l 1 8 5 8 ,
when he sold it to P r o f e s s o r W i l l i a m S . K e m p e r , of the U n i v e r s i t y of V i r g i h i a , a n d rem o v e d with h i s family in the summer of 1860 to his n e r m a n e n t h o m e a t "Rockland" ,. n e a r
Sandy S p r i n g , M a r y l a n d .
M e a n w h i l e , in 1 8 5 4 , h e delivered a course of lectures on
SLstronomy in the Smithsonian I n s t i t u t i o n in W a s h i n g t o n , a n d continued in various o t h e r
ways outside of his school h i s a c t i v e interest in scientific e d u c a t i o n .
H i s schools,
w a s so s u c c e s s f u l , a l s o , that in the y e a r h e r e t i r e d from it j^e w a s obliged to d e c l i n e
m o r e than one h u n d r e d applicants f o r a d m i s s i o n .
H i s h e a l t h a n d strength,which h a d b e e n
u n d e r m i n e d f o r some years by a chronic d i s e a s e , n o w b e g a n seriously to decline; a n d
although h e served in the year 1859 as the first p r e s i d e n t of the M a r y l a n d A g r i c u l t u r a l
College at B l a d e n s b u r g , Mg-gylftnti^ he w a s o b l i g e d to retire a f t e r one m o n t h of strenuous l a b o r s .
B e n j a m i n Hallowell's experiences a s a t e a c h e r , as well a s h i s character a n d
a b i l i t i e s , admirably fitted him to b e c o m e one of the chief originators of Swarthmore
College.
Besides h i s own school in A l e x a n d r i a , w h i c h h e c o n d u c t e d w i t h signal success
from 1324 to 1 8 5 8 , (with an interval of four y e a r s b e t w e e n 1842 a n d 1 8 4 6 ) , h e h a d
taught in h i s early m a n h o o d at the F r i e n d s ' schools at W e s t f i e l d , Hew Jersey; F a i r H i l l ^
Maryland; a n d W e s t t o w n , P e n n s y l v a n i a .
D u r i n g the y e a r 1 8 4 3 - 4 4 , h e a c t e d a s p r o f e s s o r
of C h e m i s t r y , in the m e d i c a l department of C o l u m b i a n C o l l e g e , W a s h i n g t o n } in 1 8 4 5 - 4 6 ,
z.
he had served as the first p r i n c i p a l a n d o r g a n i s e r of Friends' Central S c h o o l , P h i l a d e l p h i a , w h i c h w a s destined to send so m a n y of its graduates to Swarthmore College^
and in 1 8 4 8 - 4 9 , h e had as one of his a s s i s t a n t - t e a c h e r s \ E d w a r d H . M a g i l l , who w a s to
become one of the first teachers a n d f o r f a ' s c o r e of y e a r s the successful p r e s i d e n t
of Swarthmore C o l l e g e .
B e n j a m i n Hallowell's interest in t h e p h y s i c a l sciences h a d b e e n greatly stimu l a t e d when he was a p u p i l at the school of J o h n a n d Samuel G u m m e r e , in B u r l i n g t o n ,
New Jersey in 1 8 1 7 - 1 8 , a n d a g a i n w h e n h e a s s i s t e d J o h n Gummere three y e a r s later i n
m a k i n g computations f o r the famous JJ^stronomy* w h i c h J o h n w a s then w r i t i n g .
John
Gummere h a d b e e n a p u p i l at W e s t t o w n School a s early a s 1804; h a d b e e n its b o o k - k e e p e r
in 1 8 1 1 - 1 2 , a n d one of its teachers in 1 8 1 2 - 1 4 .
H e received the degrees of B a c h e l o r
a n d M a s t e r of A r t s a t P r i n c e t o n C o l l e g e , a n d a f t e r a successful career a s teacher of
teachers of the H a v e r f o r d
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It is p r o b a b l e , a l s o , that the influence of the Gummere b r o t h e r s , b y way of
Haverford School a n d C o l l e g e , w a s exerted consciously or u n c o n s c i o u s l y u p o n B e n j a m i n
Hallowell's advocacy of a strong central school f o r h i s b r a n c h of the Society of F r i e n d s .
This a d v o c a c y , a s has b e e n s e e n , o c c u r r e d in the 1850's a n d 1 8 6 0 ' s , during w h i c h
decades the Gummeres w e r e w o r k i n g for the development of H a v e r f o r d School into a
full-fledged c o l l e g e .
/ ^ U
Samuel M . J a n n e y , a third outstanding F r i e n d who w a s directly concerned w i t h
the origin of Swarthmore C o l l e g e , w a s not so a c t i v e in its b e h a l f a s w e r e M a r t h a T y s o n
and Benjamin Hallowell.
F o r d u r i n g the 1850's h e w a s b u s i l y engaged in writing h i s
% I
•"tlfe of Willieuj Penrf
r
(published in 1 8 5 1 ) , his ^ L i f e of George Fox"' (published in
1 8 5 3 ) , a n d his ^ H i s t o r y of F r i e n d s * (published in 4 v o l u m e s in 1 8 5 9 - ^ 6 7 ) .
He h a d
nbegun h i s boarding-school for girls a t " S p r i n g d a l e " , L o n d o n C o u n t y , V i r g i n i a , in 1 8 3 9 ,
a n a conducted it w i t h noteworthy success •until 1853; h e n c e h e , t o o , like B e n j a m i n
H a l l o w e l l , was able to contribute to the S w a r t h m o r e p r o j e c t the fruits of a p r a c t i c a l
experience.
He h a d first taken p a r t in the m i n i s t r y in the Society of Friends at the
a g e of t h i r t y , in 1 8 3 1 , a n d during the next h a l f - c e n t u r y v i s i t e d on m a n y religious
m i s s i o n s the meetings connected w i t h t h e ^ e a r l y ^ f e e t i n g s of B a l t i m o r e , P h i l a d e l p h i a ,
Hew Y o r k , G e n e s e e , O h i o , Indiana^and I l l i n o i s .
T h e s e frequent a n d w i d e s p r e a d oppor-
tunities of impressing u p o n F r i e n d s h i s r e l i g i o u s , l i t e r a r y , a n d educational convictions h e l p e d m u c h to p r e p a r e their m i n d s f o r the f o u n d i n g of S w a r t h m o r e .
D u r i n g the
first half of the 1 8 6 0 ' s , h e shared w i t h h i s fellow-Friends in V i r g i n i a the anxieties
a n d hardships w h i c h resulted from their p a c i f i s t a n d a n t w s l a v e r y p r i n c i p l e s during
the Civil W a r ; a n d h i s sympathy w i t h the p r i v a t i o n s of the N o r t h A m e r i c a n I n d i a n s , a s
shown d u r i n g m a n y y e a r s of service in their b e h a l f in B a l t i m o r e Y e a r l y M e e t i n g , resulted in h i s appointment b y P r e s i d e n t G r a n t in 1869 a s Superintendent of Indian
A f f a i r s in the Northern S u p e r i n t e n d e n c y , w i t h h i s h e a d q u a r t e r s in O m a h a , N e b r a s k a .
To this arduous task he devoted the two y e a r s a n d a h a l f from Ma.y^ 1 8 6 9 , to O c t o b e r ^
1 8 7 1 , a n d then a t the a g e of seventy r e t i r e d to his h o m e in V i r g i n i a .
T h e s e two a n d
a half years were the y e a r s w h e n Swarthmore w a s g e t t i n g on its f e e t , and Samuel J a n n e y
could be of very little service to it at that time; w h i l e the remaining years of his
l i f e , from 1871 to 1 8 8 0 , were filled w i t h the p u r s u i t s of an old a g e m a d e vital w i t h
such labors as visits to the E a s t e r n and. M i d d l e W e s t e r n Y e a r l y M e e t i n g s , a n d the
writing of his w i d e l y f k n o w n booklet e n t i t l e d ^ P e a c e P r i n c i p l e s E x e m p l i f i e d . ^
This
last h e p u b l i s h e d in 1 8 7 6 , in w h i c h y e a r h e v i s i t e d the Centennial Exposition in
X
Philadelphia^ a n d a l t h o u g h he does n o t refer to S w a r t h m o r e College in h i s ^ M e m o i r s * ,
•
-His chief interest in this E x p o s i t i o n w a s h i s b e l i e f that m u t u a l k n o w l e d g e a n d appreciation a m o n g the nations w o u l d m a k e p e a c e m o r e durable (^Memoirs',p.301);*Peace
Principles Exemplified* w a s h i s last p u b l i c a t i o n ; and his last p u b l i c address w a s
a n a d v o c a c y of p e a c e ( M e m o i r s * , p . 3 0 5 # ) .
h e m a y h a v e v i s i t e d it a t that time a n d a g a i n in 1 8 7 8 .
But, unlike Martha Tyson
and B e n j a m i n and M a r g a r e t H a l l o w e l l , h e d i d not b e c o m e a m e m b e r of Swarthmore's
board of m a n a g e r s .
TIIID
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x w v red*
/
^
A s the t h r i l l i n g a n d o m i n o u s decade of the 1350's w a s d r a w i n g to its c l o s e ,
the F r i e n d s of B a l t i m o r e Y e a r l y M e e t i n g a g a i n took u p their p r o j e c t for a central
educational institution for the h i g h e r e d u c a t i o n of their c h i l d r e n .
a n d B e n j a m i n Hallowell were a g a i n the leaders in this second a t t e m p t .
M a r t h a Tyson
*
L o o k i n g b a c k n o w u p o n the "irrepressible conflict'^rhich loomed u p during
that decade and u p o n the Civil W a r a n d its a f t e r m a t h during the 1 0 ^ 0 ' s , it seems
but little short of p r o v i d e n t i a l infeogvairtrhyn- that such a n institution as Swarthmore
College should have come into being w h e n it d i d .
It m a y , p e r h a p s , b e regarded a s
a thank-offering on the part of the F r i e n d s for the triumph of their old h i s t o r i c
testimony against s l a v e r y , or in expiation for their f a i l u r e to solve that problem
in a c c o r d a n c e w i t h their h i s t o r i c testimony for p e a c e .
The 1850's l o o k e d dark indeed for p e a c e and f r e e d o m .
S l a v o c r a c y , dominated
by the wealthy p l a n t e r s of the L o w e r S o u t h , w a s in the s a d d l e .
T h e a c q u i s i t i o n of
one-half of M e x i c o , the F u g i t i v e Slave Act of 1 3 5 0 , the Dj^d Scott d e c i s i o n , the rep e a l of the M i s s o u r i C o m p r o m i s e , a n d "bleeding
of slavery across the W e s t .
1
K a n s a s . ! !1(
p a v e d the w a y for the spread
O n the other h a n d , the U n d e r g r o u n d
Railroad,-
the- norj.
^born Rop-ttblioatt-Fart.it, a n d J o h n Brown's raid w e r e a p p a r e n t l y h o p e l e s s attempts "outside the law" to overcome a social system entrenched w i t h i n the Supreme C o u r t , the
W h i t e House, a n d the h a l l s of C o n g r e s s .
B u t great new forces w e r e seething u n d e r the s u r f a c e .
T h e o l d , compromising
l e a d e r s ^ C l a y , W e b s t e r , C a l h o u n , B u c h a n a n ^ p a s s e d out one b y one; S e w a r d , C h a s e ,
Spinner, L i n c o l n took their p l a c e s .
-^Uncle Tom's Cabin"£ a n d W h i t t i e r ' s
F r e e d o m * a s s e r t e d the p o w e r of the pen.
leadership of Horace M a n n
-OS.
T h e rise of the p u b l i c schools -under the
p r e p a r e d a new g e n e r a t i o n f o r a new e r a .
Poe, Hawthorne,
E m e r s o n , T h o r e a u , L o n g f e l l o w , H o l m e s , L o w e l l b r o a d e n e d the h o r i z o n of r e a s o n , a n d
$£$31
Garrison a n d P h i l l i p s invoked the v o i c e of c o n s c i e n c e .
R a i l r o a d s , tapping the grain-
fields of the W e s t a n d b r i n g i n g the cotton of the South to the factories of the
U o r t h , forged economic ties of p o l i t i c a l u n i o n a n d g a v e rise to a city^population
of free
w h i c h m o r e than o v e r b a l a n c e d the slave^labor of the S o u t h .
ie laborers
lauui
/fltti these signs of e n c o u r a g e m e n t , our B a l t i m o r e F r i e n d s realized the persistence of ancient w e a k n e s s e s a n d defects w h i c h c o n s t i t u t e d , in Quaker e y e s , a g r e a t
need a n d a great o p p o r t u n i t y .
M o s t A m e r i c a n colleges still f o l l o w e d the example
of Y a l e a n d P r i n c e t o n in devoting
themselves chiefly to the t r a i n i n g of the c l e r g y .
T h e o l o g y still u s u r p e d the p l a c e of r e l i g i o n , b u l w a r k e d the system of h u m a n s l a v e r y ,
a n d b u t t r e s s e d m e d i a e v a l superstitions; it m a d e m e n ' s "thoughts on a w f u l subjects
r o l l , d a m n a t i o n a n d the dead," a n d still taught them that "God's v e n g e a n c e feeds the
f l a m e , w i t h p i l e s of w o o d a n d b r i m s t o n e f l o o d , that none can q u e n c h the same."
R e a c t i n g to this fear of h e l l , the extremes of "revivalism" b r o u g h t m e n ' s m i n d s to
the verge of b e d l a m , or r e t u r n e d them to the svon groover- extremes of the frontier's
intemperance a n d b r u t a l i t i e s .
Four-fifths of the p o p u l a t i o n still lived in the
country a n d one-half of these l i v e d in log+cabins of two rooms e a c h , w h i l e cityftenem e n t s or suburban h o v e l s sheltered one-half of the remaining f i f t h .
Paper-money
crazes and w i l d c a t b a n k s p r e c i p i t a t e d jrfrf severe economic panic^jorf 1853 a n d 1 8 5 7 .
Thus the p o l i t i c a l s i t u a t i o n , w i t h its grave u n c e r t a i n t y a s to the survival
of the U n i o n / f m t c h e d v t h e e c o n o m i c , religious a n d m o r a l evils of the t i m e , which
A
A
J
was indeed one to try m e n ' s souls.Tf^ut the impending crisis d e m a n d e d of the p e o p l e ' s
A
leaders that they should p r e p a r e to m e e t a n d ride i t .
T h e economic n e e d demanded
m o r e of science a n d invention? the p o l i t i c a l n e c e s s i t y cried out for m o r e a £ clear
thinking a n d honest a c t i o n ; the low state of m o r a l s could b e r a i s e d only b y a religion of reason a n d s e l f - d e v o t i o n .
bute to the general need?
be itself regenerated?
What could the little S o c i e t y of F r i e n d s contri-
Could it contribute a n y h e l p f u l thing u n l e s s it should
W a s there a n y t h i n g m o r e p r o m i s i n g for this r e g e n e r a t i o n
than a sounder education £ « f i t s youth?
M i g h t not a better educated generation
n
^
3/-
__ T h e gloom w h i c h h u n g like a p a l l o v e r the U n i t e d States a n d the w o r l d in
the later 1850's is reflected in the following a r t i c l e p u b l i s h e d in Harper's
W e e k l y , October 1 0 , 1 8 5 7 , -a** entitled the "Lesson of the Day":
J'-It is a gloomy moment in h i s t o r y .
Not for m a n y years - not in the lifetime
of most m e n who r e a d this paper - h a s there b e e n so m u c h grave a n d deep a p p r e h e n s i o n ;
never has the future seemed so incalculable as a t this t i m e .
In our own country
there is u n i v e r s a l commercial p r o s t r a t i o n a n d p a n i c , a n d thousands of o\ir p o o r e s t
fellow-citizens a r e turned out a g a i n s t the a p p r o a c h i n g winter w i t h o u t employment, a n d
without the prospect of i t .
^ I n F r a n c e the p o l i t i c a l caldron seethes a n d b u b b l e s w i t h u n c e r t a i n t y ; R u s s i a
h,
h a n g s , as u s u a l , like a c l o u d , d a r k a n d s i l e n t , u p o n the^orizon of Europe; while a l l
the e n e r g i e s , resources and influences of the B r i t i s h Empire a r e sorely t r i e d , a n d
a r e y e t to b e tried m o r e s o r e l y , in coping w i t h the vast a n d deadly Indian insurrect i o n , a n d with its disturbed relations in C h i n a .
^•It is a solemn m o m e n t , a n d no m a n can feel en indifference (which, h a p p i l y ,
no m a n p r e t e n d s to f e e l ) in the issue of e v e n t s .
f O t our own troubles no m a n can see the e n d .
They a r e f o r t u n a t e l y , as y e t ,
mainly commercial; a n d if we a r e only to lose m o n e y , a n d b y p a i n f u l p o v e r t y to b e
taught wisdom - the w i s d o m of h o n o r , of f a i t h , of sympathy and of charity - no m a n
n e e d seriously to d e s p a i r .
A n d yet the very h a s t e to b e r i c h , w h i c h is the occasion
of this w i d e s p r e a d c a l a m i t y , h a s also tended to destroy the m o r a l forces w i t h w h i c h
1
we are to resist a n d subdue the calamity. ^
32
-
achieve "both freedom a n d p e a c e , p r o s p e r i t y a n d righteousness?
Such w e r e the q u e s t i o n i n g s , the needs a n d the opportunity which p r e s s e d in u p o n
the m i n d s of M a r t h a Tyson and B e n j a m i n H a l l o w e l l a n d led them to those efforts which gave
rise to Swarthmore C o l l e g e .
We h a v e seen h o w they m e t in 1855 w i t h temporary failure;
and the m i n u t e s of B a l t i m o r e Y e a r l y M e e t i n g (of b o t h m e n a n d w o m e n "Friends) during the
next five years show^the educational interest of the m e e t i n g centered in the F a i r Hill
School a n d in w o r k for the I n d i a n s .
B e n j a m i n H a l l o w e l l , M a r t h a T y s o n a n d Samuel M .
Janney participated largely in these concerns; b u t the events of the time m a d e even m o r e
pressing their desire for a n a d e q u a t e school for the Society's y o u n g p e o p l e .
They w e r e determined that this school should be of the best p o s s i b l e t y p e , a n d
they realized that their branch of the small Society of F r i e n d s w o u l d require for this
purpose a l l the strength that comes from u n i t e d e f f o r t .
They therefore naturally turned
to their sister Y e a r l y M e e t i n g s of P h i l a d e l p h i a a n d New Y o r k , where m o r e of the numerical
a n d f i n a n c i a l strength of the society c e n t e r e d .
..
d
,
P h i l a d e l p h i a Y e a r l y M e e t i n g and E d u c a t i o n .
, ,
/
waeAa favorable t i m e , ^ "the p s y c h o l o g i c a l m o m e n t " , ^ f o r a n a p p e a l to P h i l adelphia F r i e n d s .
The subject of e d u c a t i o n a m o n g them h a d never w h o l l y lost the original
impulse g i v e n it by W i l l i a m P e n n and the founders of the Q u a k e r Commonwealth; a n d in the
second quarter of the N i n e t e e n t h ^ e n t u r y , especially after the Separation of 1 8 2 7 , there
was a revived and strongly increasing movement in its b e h a l f .
3k
It is true that in the Y e a r l y M e e t i n g of 1 8 2 7 i t s e l f , the caution was given
that
a l l its m e m b e r s should "remember that the G o s p e l of Christ stands not in speculative
opinions, n o r in the will a n d w i s d o m of m a n , b u t in the p o w e r of the one true a n d living
God.
O u r b l e s s e d Lord g a v e ample p r o o f of its s i m p l i c i t y , in selecting illiterate fisher-
e
m ^ n to be a m o n g s t its promulgators."
N e v e r t h e l e s s , such m e m b e r s and leaders of the meet-
^ A n E p i s t l e , e t c . j* pfaila., 1 8 2 7 , p . 1 0 .
-
3 2 - 1
ing as Lucretia M o t t (who h a d been a m e m b e r of the P h i l a d e l p h i a m e e t i n g for eighteen
years, and in 1 8 2 7 , at the age of t w e n t y - f i v e , h a d b e e n a m i n i s t e r for n i n e y e a r s ) w e r e
convinced that a trained intellect does notXdfttiiH but m a k e s m o r e illuminating f o r one's
self a n d others the Light W i t h i n .
W e find the Y e a r l y M e e t i n g g r a d u a l l y a c c e p t i n g their
V?
point of v i e w b u t , ift 1 8 2 9 , m e r e l y w r i t i n g to its m e m b e r s a s follows;
"The religious
guarded education of our y o u t h h a s a l s o engaged o u t a t t e n t i o n , a n d the importance h a s b e e n
inculcated of restraining them from the p u r s u i t of the p e r n i c i o u s c u s t o m s , the empty
follies, and the v a i n fashions of the a g e , and of b r i n g i n g them u p in that
nlainness
and simplicity w h i c h b e c o m e our h o l y profession."
In 1 8 2 9 , there were 43 F r i e n d s ' schools w i t h i n the limits of the Y e a r l y M e e t i n g ;
in 1 8 2 9 , only 29 w e r e reported; b u t in 1 8 3 0 , the n u m b e r r e p o r t e d w a s 4 4 ; in 1 8 3 1 , 5 2 ;
and in 1 8 3 2 , 5 5 . The "Third A n n u a l Q u e r y " , r e l a t i n g to e d u c a t i o n , w a s p r e s s e d in the Y e a r l y
Meeting of 1 8 3 0 , w i t h the a c k n o w l e d g m e n t that it w a s evident from the reports
34
constituent m e e t i n g s that "great deficiencies" e x i s t e d .
of the
In the sessions of 1 8 3 1 a n d 1 8 3 2 ,
the m e e t i n g w a s impressed w i t h the w i d e s p r e a d " c o r r u p t i n g influence of pernicious publications" , w i t h the number of F r i e n d s ' children r e c e i v i n g "literary instruction from a m o n g s t
*
Friends"^ a n d the n u m b e r of teachers in F r i e n d s ' schools w h o were not F r i e n d s .
it there-
fore a p p o i n t e d a committee of two P h i l a d e l p h i a F r i e n d s "to w h o m a p p l i c a t i o n s m a y be m a d e
for t e a c h e r s , to supply such schools; a s a l s o , on behalf of persons inclining to engage in
>Ht
that employment."
H a v e r f o r d School w a s established by the O r t h o d o x Friends in 1 8 3 3 ; a n d this p r o b a b l y
brought "the educational concern" to a h e a d a m o n g the L i b e r a l F r i e n d s ; for in that y e a r ,
the m e n ' s Y e a r l y M e e t i n g a p p o i n t e d a committee of forty-one on "the right education of our
,
Epistle**, P h i l a d e l p h i a , 1 8 2 9 , P p . 1 0 - 1 1 .
:' - Minutes of the Y e a r l y M e e t i n g ( M & ) .
- ^ E x t r a c t s from the M i n u t e s * , 1 8 3 0 , p . 4 .
- Ten schools were reported in 1832 a s b e i n g "under the care of p e e t i n g s , b u t not a t
present taught by members."
I! - ^fcxtracts*, 1 8 3 2 , "B. 6 .
32 Jhildren and. y o u t h , p a r t i c u l a r l y in relation to schools."
The m i n u t e r e c o r d i n g this
Important step states that ."^uhder the exercise p r o d u c e d o n , this o c c a s i o n , a p r o p o s a l was
uade, a n d with m u c h u n a n M i t y ' a d o p t e d , to separate tt copmittee for the purpose of
;.
v.:
'
A
—'. gain-
• .
•
.P"
Lng a m o r e intimate k n o w l e d g e of the state of our religious society on tlais deeply inter^
. . .
...'.••• >••
ssting subject; —
a n d a l s o , if w a y should open/- to m a k e such" p r o p o s a l s for improvement
In school education as m a y comfort w i t h our religious p r i n c i p l e s , the w e l f a r e a n d preservation of our children a n d y o u t h , a n d the a d v a n c e m e n t of this c o n c e r n for their g u a r d e d ,
religious e d u c a t i o n . *
H a v i n g a p p o i n t e d their c o m m i t t e e , the m e n ' s m e e t i n g sent " a d e p u t a t i o n to the '
women's m e e t i n g informing it of their a c t i o n ; a n d tho-'womenls m e e t i n g , "having been ezer;ised on this important Subject a t a f o r m e r s i t t i n g , were p r e p a r e d o n r e n e w e d
consideration
M-3
fully to u n i t e w i t h our b r e t h r e n therein."
Twenty-eight women Friends
w e r e thereupon
Appointed a s m e m b e r s of the joint c o m m i t t e e ; L u c r e t i a M o t t ' s name is the last o n the l i s t .
•4
w.
The first report of this c o m m i t t e e w a s b a s e d on a n e l e v e n - p o i n t questionnaire sent
out to the M o n t h l y and P r e p a r a t i v e Meetings!, a n d w a s p r e s e n t e d to the Y e a r l y M e e t i n g of
4jr
1834.
It w a s a comprehensive one on the status of the existing Friends* S c h o o l s .
James
Siott, L u c r e t i a ' s h u s b a n d , w a s one of the four signers of the reportV^**t LucretiE^jjS^ a
member Of the committee a n d h a d b e e n clerk of the w o m e n ' s Y e a r l y M e e t i n g for some y e a r s .
i
T h e report r e v e a l e d that of a b o u t 5 , 0 0 0 F r i e n d ^ children of school a g e w i t h i n
Philadelphia. Y e a r l y M e e t i n g , only 8 0 0 w e r e a t t e n d i n g F r i e n d s ' s c h o o l s , the remainder b e i n g
scattered in 200 other s c h o o l s , a m o n g w h i c h W e s t t o w n h a d 82 of the children of Liberal
Friends.
It m a d e a n a p p e a l to F r i e n d s for greater liberality in b u i l d i n g suitable school-
houses, p r o c u r i n g well qualified t e a c h e r s , supplying them w i t h "proper b o o k s , m a p s a n d other
»»
. - Ibid, 1833,
apparatus a d a p t e d to the p r e s e n t improved state of e d u c a t i o n in u s e f u l learning; a n d it
3 - T h e number stated in the p r i n t e d report is 3 6 ; but the M & . m i n u t e s give the names of
only X%.
5 - She was clerk of the Y e a r l y M e e t i n g , a n d w a s a p p o i n t e d a s an a d d i t i o n a l m e m b e r of
|
P h i l a d e l p h i a Quarterly M e e t i n g , after other representatives of that m e e t i n g h a d b e e n
named first on the l i s t .
4
"
1 0
'
Aw^ r ^ U
^
fih&l^tiLnc
tcL
A
A
tzJLrtudLj
^
j
A
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^
^
J
^
a^J-^c^er"^"
/
L
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y
7tL
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rfjir
-
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- -
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ATV
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—•
-
recommended, for both economical a n d educational r e a s o n s , the linking together of literaryinstruction a n d m a n u a l l a b o r , so that "the h o u r s of relaxation from study" m i g h t be devoted
to a training w h i c h w o u l d fit a n d itiocline the p u p i l s to "manual labour employments."
It
hesitated to recommend to the Y e a r l y M e e t i n g itself the establishment of " a literary a n d
manual labour institution"; b u t s u g g e s t e d "the p r o p r i e t y of encouraging Friends
individually,
or an a s s o c i a t i o n of F r i e n d s , to embrace a n y right opening to commence literary
institutions
on this principle."
. .
U n d e r the impulse to e d u c a t i o n g i v e n b y thisYYearly M e e t i n g c o m m i t t e e , there w a s
much activity in 1 8 3 5 , in the v i s i t i n g of F r i e n d s ' s c h o o l s , starting of l i b r a r i e s , introducing proper " r e a d i n g - b o o k s " , a n d a d v o c a t i n g the search foiS^s* a d e q u a t e p a y m e n t of w e l l
qualified Friends as t e a c h e r s .
There was a strong m o v e m e n t in the c o m m i t t e e , a l s o , for
the establishment of one or m o r e b o a r d i n g ! s c h o o l s u n d e r the care
of^thejieetir
lgjf^aj^ in
'
LmJIA^pr
*
A
1836, the committee p r e s e n t e d to the m e e t i n g ^ . report( w h i c h w a s "satisfactory" to the
women's m e e t i n g , but w h i c h w a s ^ n o t ^ s a t i s f a c t o r y " to the m e n ' s , a n d w a s therefore returned
to the committee for further c o n s i d e r a t i o n .
T h e n e x t y e a r , the c o m m i t t e e reported that "no
way had opened for further p r o g r e s s in the c o n c e r n " ; and it therefore recommended that boarding-schools should b e started by individual F r i e n d s or a s s o c i a t i o n s of F r i e n d s , and not by
the Yearly Meeting.i^aa2s£k.
A t this time there w e r e reported to b e 4 8 schools u n d e r the
care of m o n t h l y or p r e p a r a t i v e m e e t i n g s , a n d 3 0 others taught by F r i e n d s .
It was the deter-
mination of the Yearly M e e t i n g that these should not b e subjected to the competition of a
Yearly M e e t i n g school w h i c h c a u s e d the m e e t i n g to recordvfee. m i n u t e ^ i n 1 8 3 7 , that "way did
not open in the M e e t i n g f o r its a d o p t i o n ^ t h a t i s , the m o d i f i e d report of the committee referred to a b o v e l i
the Committee a r e therefore released."
The decades of the 1830's a n d 1|40's saw a g r e a t l y renewed a c t i v i t y in P h i l a d e l p h i a
Jf
Yearly M e e t i n g in behalf of the a b o l i t i o n of ^ e g r o slavery and in the care of the I n d i a n s .
Cain (Quarterly M e e t i n g , a n d J a m e s a n d L u c r e t i a M o t t a n d W i l l i a m a n d D e b o r a h W h a r t o n in
Philadelphia, took the lead in this a c t i v i t y .
But the w o m e n of the Y e a r l y M e e t i n g especially
e determined that even these p h i l a n t h r o p i e s should not h e p e r m i t t e d to side-track their
:ern for the p r o p e r education of F r i e n d s ' own c h i l d r e n .
The w o m e n ' s m e e t i n g , t h e r e f o r e ,
if.7
L838 (with Deborah F . W h a r t o n a s c l e r k ) r e c o r d e d the following m i n u t e :
^ T h e education of pur y o u t h ^ is felt to b e & subject of deep interest b y m a n y of u s ;
while we are fully sensible that literary k n o w l e d g e cannot supply the place of h e a v e n l y
ioqi, w e believe that our intellectual faculties a r e n u a b e r e d a m o n g the talents g i v e n u s
improvement, a n d that the right cultivation of thesejj qualifies f o r m o r e extensive useless in s o c i e t y , and in the w o r l d at l a r g e . ^
It then p r o c e e d e d to a p p o i n t a "standing committee" of its m e m b e r s to p r o s e c u t e the
:ern, a n d repeated this action (after the standing c o m m i t t e e a p p e a r s to have been disled) in 1 8 4 3 ,
On the latter committee of t h i r t y - s i x , were n a m e d Lucretia M o t t , D e b o r a h
friarton, a n d M a r y S . Lippincott (the sister of B e n j a m i n H a l l o w e l l ) .
T h e m e n ' s y e a r l y meeting", after the rebuff of 1 8 3 7 , w a s slow to follow the w o m e n ' s
1 on education; a n d even in 1 8 4 3 , the m e n m e r e l y r e c o r d as their a c t i o n the following
ite:
T
u
" T h e subject of a guarded religious e d u c a t i o n of our c h i l d r e n , h a v i n g b e e n impressive-
>pened, the m i n d s of Friends w e r e drawn to a close examination of the important duty w h i b h
>lves u p o n the m e m b e r s of this m e e t i n g towards the r i s i n g g e n e r a t i o n ; a n d m u c h exercise
railed on the occasion."
* A n Epistle from the_ Yearly M e e t i n g of W o m e n F r i e n d s * , P h i l a d e l p h i a , 1 8 3 8 , ® p .
tracts'*, 1 8 4 3 , p p . fT 1 0 .
"ftitrciota", '1013 1 P . 1 .
7 - 8 .
]
'
yoAwwv^ ^ I
To the w o m e n ' s Yearly M e e t i n g in 1 8 4 4 , the "Standing Committee on E d u c a t i o n
and Libraries" p r e s e n t e d a n e x t e n d e d re-nort,
51*
c o n t a i n i n g statistical information oh-
tained from the Monthly M e e t i n g s c h o o l s , and a p p e a l i n g for greater support of Friendly
education in the following p a r a g r a p h s :
^ M a n y of the R e p o r t s r e c e i v e d , give e v i d e n c e , that a m o n g women F r i e n d s , genera l l y , there is a desire a n d care to support the testimonies of the Society in the education of their c h i l d r e n .
Some state great l o s s from want of suitable s c h o o l s , the dis-
trict or p u b l i c system only b e i n g , in their s e c t i o n , in o p e r a t i o n , a n d these under adverse a n d u n f r i e n d l y d i r e c t i o n .
W h i l e the Committee rejoice in the general diffusion
of u s e f u l k n o w l e d g e , they b e l i e v e that the m a n n e r in which some of the p u b l i c schools
are c o n d u c t e d , is inconsistent w i t h the v i e w s of F r i e n d s , and w i t h m a n y of the p r i n c i p l e s
ana t e s t i m o n i e s , w e have a l w a y s deemed p r e c i o u s .
2TWe cannot expect our children to be f a i t h f u l supporters of t h e s e , if we suffer
them in the susceptible season of youth to b e e x p o s e d to c o u n t e r - i n f l u e n c e s , and an
obligation rests u p o n us to shield them t h e r e f r o m .
a due p o r t i o n of our time a n d means?
Is there a n object m o r e w o r t h y of
Can any inheritance w h i c h p a r e n t s m a y a c c u m u l a t e ,
serve as a substitute for a liberal a n d religiously g u a r d e d e d u c a t i o n , the result of a
wise co—operation of h o m e ana school influences?
IPBelieving as w e d o , in the b e n e f i t s of t h e s e , it is a subject of m u c h r e g r e t ,
that Friends should suffer their school-houses to lie v a c a n t , or be given u p to the
direction of others a n d p l a c e d b e y o n d their own c o n t r o l .
In some n e i g h b o u r h o o d s these
schools are k e p t only a few months in the year; a n d a frequent change of t e a c h e r s , is
another of the disadvantageous
consequences.
have ascertained that in m a r y p a r t s of the country it is difficult for
Friends to obtain teachers for their family a n d other schools, w h i l e at the same time
there a r e young w o m e n who w o u l d w i l l i n g l y turn their a t t e n t i o n to the occupation of
P
Extracts**. 1844,
5 - 9.
Some of the fall on ing. facts a s reportedNyaaMt: 3 , 6 7 7 children over four years of age
requiring school education; 712 of these in 2 7 M o n t h l y a n d Freparatitf®. M e e t i n g
Schools; 630 attend other schools taught by Friend.s; 70 school-houses b e l o n g i n g
to F r i e n d s , in some of which two schools are k e p t .
Jfr* 36
teaching but whose remote situations and limited circumstances preclude them from the
requisite advantages.
To this subject, the Committee think it right to call the atten-
tion of the Quarterly M e e t i n g s , that they m a y seek out such within their own b o r d e r s ,
and by furnishing the means for adequate instruction to them, suitable teachers m a y be
qualified to fill the vacant p l a c e s .
There has existed for several years p a s t , in one
of our Quarterly Meetings a fund raised entirely by women Friends, and u n d e r their
control for the purposes of education, and especially for the qualification of teachers.
Two of these, thus educated w e r e , by last a c c o u n t s , teaching large schools, each in h e r
respective neighbourhood.
We believe if this concern were carried out in all our- Quar-
terly Meetings the most beneficial results would ensue.
For those in remote and thinly
settled districts, we desire that the Yearly Meeting m a y be able to suggest some plan
of relief."
T h e women's Standing Committee continued to meet quarterly, a n d its subcommittee
m o n t h l y , during the next few y e a r s , devoting themselves to the increa.se of Monthly
Meeting schools and libraries, and the aiding of "young women in limited circumstances"
to fitttag themselves as teachers in them.
In 1 3 4 6 , the standing tfommittee was reorgan-
ized, with Lucretia Mott and Deborah F . Wharton at the head of a list of sixty-two menw
bers; but the next y e a r , the committee was released, and the subordinate meetings were
requested to appoint committees of their own and to forward renortj/to the yearly meet-
Sl
ing.
I
The subordinate meetings responded in 1848 to this request, a n d the Philadelphia
women were encouraged to believe that the problem of education might be solved by the
subordinate meetings; but a letter received that year from the women's Yearly Meeting
of Baltimore, signed by Martha E . T y s o n , Clerk, told of the appointment by it of a
central committee, r n No further action W s
ta • en b y the Philadelphia women in 1 8 4 3 ;
but the next year came an appeal* f r o m ^ l n Quarterly Meeting that all the children in
the Society should be supplied with "a religious guarded education, u n d e r the sunerin-
S&
tenaence of the Yearly Meeting."
-
.
^ E x t r a ^ s ^ , 1 8 4 5 7 B d . 6 - 9 ; 1 8 4 6 . ? p 7 7 - 8 , 1 1 - 1 2 ; 18~47,T|».
T
r
^ t r a c i s ^ , 1848,Bp.'4,7,12-13; M e n * s * E x t r a c t l * , 1 8 4 8 , P . 6 ; 1 8 ^ 0 ,
g j f M i f t \%m>
- 9.
7.
3 5 - 1
Fifteen years b e f o r e this a p p e a l to the Yearly M e e t i n g , Cain Quarterly Meeting h a d considered the p l a n of establishing a Q u a r t e r l y M e e t i n g b o a r d i n g - s c h o o l ; but as
(rttJLefXS ir~i
/w^jut^ -vw
Mntf*
'way did not open" for t h i s , it sent to its s u b o r d i n a t e m e e t i n g s the f o l l o w i n g p r o p o s a l ^
*To supply the great deficiency that is a c k n o w l e d g e d to e x i s t , the committee |of the
Quarterly M e e t i n g on education^ h a v e h a d their a t t e n t i o n turned to consider w h e t h e r a
joarding school m i g h t not be established within our l i m i t s , conducted b y a company composed
>f the members of our religious s o c i e t y , in w h i c h children could obtain a n education to fit
uhem for b u s i n e s s , a t a m o d e r a t e expense; a n d , at the same t i m e , acquire h a b i t s of i n d u s t r y ,
and a k n o w l e d g e of some one or m o r e of the m e c h a n i c a r t s .
m
The expense of establishing such
institution to be defrayed by v o l u n t a r y c o n t r i b u t i o n s , - or a d v a n c e d in shares by con-
tributors, a n d h e l d ii^the n a t u r e of stock - and t ^ t school to b e conducted u n d e r the dirsction of an a c t i n g c o m m i t t e e or board of m a n a g e r s , chosen a n n u a l l y b y the stockholders from
among t h e m s e l v e s .
"*Up6n deliberate a t t e n t i o n , t h e r e f o r e , w e a g r e e d to p r o p o s e , that the consideration of the establishment of such a n i n s t i t u t i o n be r e c o m m e n d e d to the M o n t h l y a n d Preparative Meetings w i t h i n our Q u a r t e r , a n d to the m e m b e r s of our religious society g e n e r a l l y ,
to take p l a c e w h e n e v e r the a d e q u a t e means are s u b s c r i b e d , or sxich times as the contributors
themselves shall a p p r o v e .
A n d we further p r o p o s e , that such of our m e e t i n g s , w h e t h e r com-
posed of m e n or women F r i e n d s , as shall incline to h o l d a share in the s t o c k , be represented
in the m e e t i n g s of contributors by such delegates of either s e x , a s t h e y m a y
respectively
appoint.
^ T h e committee do not p r o p o s e in this r e p o r t , to furnish a p l a n in the detail for
such an institution; this m u s t be left f o r the contributors t h e m s e l v e s , to w h o m it more
properly b e l o n g s ; b u t w e a r e g e n e r a l l y -united in b e l i e v i n g from the trials that h a v e been
made u p o n this system e l s e w h e r e , that b y a judicious division of time b e t w e e n literary pursuits, under competent t e a c h e r s , a n d u s e f u l employment u n d e r farmers a n d skilful m e c h a n i c s ,
after allowing full time for reasonable r e l a x a t i o n , the expense of b o a r d i n g and schooling
35 -
la
m a y be so lessened b y the m a n u a l labour of the s c h o l a r s , as greatly to relieve parents
in moderate c i r c u m s t a n c e s , a n d at the same time be b e n e f i c i a l to the children of Friends
generally.
?
-While the women's m e e t i n g w a s considering this a p p e a l , their minutes
1
reveal^
a deputation from M e n ' s M e e t i n g informed u s that they h a d h a d the subject before t h e m ,
and their deep interest therein resulted in the appointment of a committee to join a
committee of W o m e m F r i e n d s (should one be a p p o i n t e d ) to take the subject of e d u c a t i o n ,
the state of schools, a n d the wants of s o c i e t y , u n d e r consideration; the Meeting u n i t e d
therewith, a n d the following Friends are aonointed."
H e r e follows a list of 66 w o m e n
57
Friends, w i t h the names of D e b o r a h F . W h a r t o n a n d L u c r e t i a M o t t at its h e a d .
f
!
printed " Extracts'
r
The
of the m e n ' s m e e t i n g in 1850 h a v e no reference to this action; b u t
its manuscript minutes record the following;
•
'RDaln Quarterly M e e t i n g forwards the following: m i n u t e .
(•<• ^ C T h e following m i n u t e w a s f o r w a r d e d from U c h l a n M o n t h l y M e e t i n g , v i z . The
subject of schools a n d the s i t u a t i o n of m a n y friends w h o l i v e remote one from a n o t h e r
find n o t free to send their children to the common schools u n d e r the direction of officers of the commonwealth, being a g a i n b r o u g h t into v i e w by reading the second annual
query, m u c h sympathy was felt and e x p r e s s e d for p a r e n t s thus c i r c u m s t a n c e d , a n d it
appears that some such employ teachers in their f a m i l i e s , the p r a c t i c e is m u c h a p p r o v e d
S
and commended especially for young c h i l d r e n , b u t u p o n consideration it is our sen^e
that we can not discharge our duty to our children a n d to p o s t e r i t y u n t i l w e p r o v i d e
ample means independent of the p u b l i c schools of confering u p o n them a religious gua.rd> c
ed education u n d e r the superintendence of the Y e a r l y M e e t i n g , w h i c h u p o n consideration
w a s directed to the Y e a r l y M e e t i n g for such action thereon a s that Meeting might deem
- .• improper.
I S ^ E x r a c t e d from the M i n u t e s of C^ln Quarterly M e e t i n g b y
M o s e s W h i t s o n , Clerk.J?
?*and the concerr. obtaining the a t t e n t i o n of this M e e t i n g it was b e l i e v e d of sufficient
^Extracts*- (women's"), 1 8 5 0 , J f p T I ~ l r . . ^ , > 7
ZaQTl-I^L
^ M i n u t e s of the Men's M e e t i n g . 1838 - 1858
194 - 5 . T h e s e records a r e p r e s e r v e d
in the F r i e n d s ' Historical L i b r a r y , Swarthmore C o l l e g e .
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interest to submit the subject of the education of our children g e n e r a l l y to
the deliberate judgement of the following f r i e n d s , who in c o n j u n c t i o n w i t h W o m e n
friends if they should appoint to the s e r v i c e , are d e s i r e d to give it careful
consideration & report as way opens.'*'
H e r e follow the names of sixty-four F r i e n d s , six from each of ten Quarterly Meetings and four from the last a n d l e a s t .
The name of J o h n D . G r i s c o m ,
of P h i l a d e l p h i a , heads the l i s t , w h i c h includes such familiar l e a d e r s as J o h n
C o m l y , J o s e p h F o u l k e , J o n a t h a n p "Mc Gill" (the father of E d w a r d H . M a g i l l , second
president of Swarthmore C o l l e g e ) , J o h n J a c k s o n , T h o m a s H o o p e s , a n d J o s e p h S .
Walton(grandfather
of the s e c o n d , and great-grandfather of the t h i r d , principal
io
of G e o r g e S c h o o l ) .
frrtvit
• O u m m i b t o e ' b W o r k , 1DG0 5 0 .
This large joint committee of 130 m e n a n d women Friends proceeded to
work "as way opened" during the f o l l o w i n g d e c a d e .
A t the Yearly M e e t i n g of 1 8 5 1 ,
it p r e s e n t e d a r e p o r t , signed by J o h n D . G r i s c o m , C l e r k ,
4
T h e complete list of the m e m b e r s of the J o i n t Committee and the Quarterly
Meetings from which the m e n c a m e , is g i v e n in A p p e n d i x I,infra, P.445.
na»i lin.ili-u I |.» .•• r 111.
Vh
n g ^ l r^g
ypp.fly
nf l a g l , nf •hnt.Vi
Wopf-jry
mnn-
d womo]» r contain a report of tho Joint Oorarnttcc-;—signed lay J o h n D . Q r i a o o m , Olorls,
.ich stated that "there a r e at least 4 , 5 0 0 children of the m e m b e r s of this Yea.rlv
;eting requiring school education" and of t h e s e , "only 998 a r e e d u c a t e d in schools u n d e r
.e care of the Society."
In spite of this c o n d i t i o n , the committee reported that it
.8 r.aay at present to recommend only "that F r i e n d s , in their respective n e i g h b o u r h o o d s ,
i encouraged to maintain schools u n d e r their own control, in such m a n n e r as w i l l m a k e
em e q u a l , or superior, to the P u b l i c , a n d other schools around t h e m .
A n d , a l s o , that
e attention of F r i e n d s , g e n e r a l l y , and p a r t i c u l a r l y those remotely s i t u a t e d , b e especlly directed to Family Sdh&ols."
T h e committee w a s thereupon " c o n t i n u e d a n d encouraged
u
give further a t t e n t i o n to this h i g h l y interesting concern."
Samuel M . J a n n e y was
•esent at this Yearly Meeting;, and p r o b a b l y p a r t i c i p a t e d in the d i s c u s s i o n of the subject
Friends' schools; but Martha. T y s o n ' s a p p e a l for a central F r i e n d s ' school of the h i g h e r
a m i n e h a d not yet been m a d e .
.
c .
•
'
1058-, of b o t h m e n m n d woman» recalled the facts stated
i the report of 1851 a n d advocated the establishment of free schools for F r i e n d s ' children
i all of the monthly or quarterly m e e t i n g s , so' that the competition of free p u b l i c
:hools m i g h t b e successfully m e t ?
B u t w h e n the Joint C o m m i t t e e en E d u c a t i o n p r o p o s e d the
•
stting u p of a fund for the p u r p o s e in every m o n t h l y a n d p r e p a r a t i v e m e e t i n g , the m e n ' s
sarly M e e t i n g of 1853 decided that "the m i n d s of F r i e n d s b e i n g freely expressed thereon,
m way did not open at the present time to adopt it", a n d "its further
is "referred, to the attention of the m e e t i n g next year."
consideration"
A "deputation from Men's Meet-
ig" informed the women's m e e t i n g of this p o s t p o n e m e n t , and the w o m e n w e r e o b l i g e d to
A***
m c u r y i t ; but they a p p o i n t e d a committee of their own "to receive v o l u n t a r y
.th which to aid the education of F r i e n d s ' children "in remote situations."
63
, Wharton was a m e m b e r of this committee of s e v e n .
-
^Extracts**, 1 8 5 1 (men's), p p . 7 - 9; (women's), B p . 6 - 7 .
E x t r a c t s P , 1852 (men's), f p . 1 3 - 1 5 ; ( w o m e n ' s / , p p . 8 - 1 0 .
^ E x t r a c t g * . 1853 (menjs), p p . 5 , 13; (women's) j&p. 6 , 9 - 1 0 .
contributions"
Deborah
40
to
11
the p r e v a i l i n g sentiment of the m e e t i n g " and adop.ted the committee's
of 1 8 5 2 .
recommendations
This "prevailing sentiment" w a s expressed a s follows in one of its m i n u t e s :
^ h e m e e t i n g was baptized, into a sense of the importance of the obligations w h i c h rest
upon us toward the b e l o v e d y o u t h u n d e r our c a r e .
The importance of p r o v i d i n g our child*,
ren with suitable intellectual food., w h i c h is necessary for the growth a n d development
of their m i n d s , was a c k n o w l e d g e d , but it w a s felt to be far more important that their
moral a n d religious training should be a t t e n d e d t o .
The increase of publications cal-
culated to excite the i m a g i n a t i o n , a n d cherish false views of l i f e , w a s cause of deep
concern, a n d the p e r u s a l of them w a s shown to b e deleterious to that purity of thought
a n d a c t i o n w h i c h the Christian religion l e a d s u n t o .
This k i n d of reading unfits the
mind for the contemplation of those sublime truths w h i c h are recorded in the Holy
Scriptures.'V
another indication of their feelings in regard to e d u c a t i o n .
One p a r a g r a p h of it reads
as follows:
3*The subject of a rightly g u a r d e d education for our y o u t h lias a g a i n claimed
the earnest attention of this m e e t i n g .
In view of the p r e s e n t common school system,
w h i c h has drawn a large p o r t i o n of our children from the superintendence of F r i e n d s , we
have b e e n engaged in w e i g h t y consideration of the consequences that m u s t inevitably
follow, if their instruction is committed to o t h e r s , who are not of our religious principles.
A n education in literature and science w a s felt to b e of secondary i m p o r t a n c e ,
if, with it, those great testimonies w e u p h o l d a r e not ingrafted u p o n the tender a n d
plastic m i n d - if the frequent reading of the H o l y S c r i p t u r e s , and the w i t h d r a w a l from
outward pursuits to wait for Divine counsel a n d fruiaance, b e n e f d e c t e d . ^
The women's
f V
Intelligencer,
„
^
...
^T5b5.
0
„
.„at the m e n h a d
41
i f
adopted the committee's report of 1 3 5 2 , took the same a c t i o n .
T h e y f o l l o w e d this u p
in m o r e v i g o r o u s f a s h i o n than did the m e n , a n d their committee (headed b y D e b o r a h P .
W h a r t o n ) p r e s e n t e d a r e p o r t , in 1 3 5 5 ,
Friends' s c h o o l s .
of its successful effort to establish n e w
In 1856 a g a i n , the w o m e n ' s m e e t i n g a d o p t e d the report of its com-
il
m i t t e e w i t h the following m i n u t e :
satisfactory report f r o m the Standing C o m m i t t e e on E d u c a t i o n a n d Libraries, w a s read, furnishing encouragement to b e l i e v e that a n increasing interest is felt
throughout the Y e a r l y M e e t i n g on the important subject of a religiously g u a r d e d education; a l s o , that y o u n g women' i n m e m b e r s h i p m a y b e a i d e d , w h e n there is n e e d , to b e c o m e
qualified for teachers;
- that w e m a y h a v e our schools of such a c h a r a c t e r , that in
them F r i e n d s ' children m a y receive a n e d u c a t i o n to fit them for b u s i n e s s , without the
necessity of sending t h e m , at a n early a g e , from the guardianship a n d society of their
parents.
T h e Committee is c o n t i n u e d , a n d a few F r i e n d s n a m e d to a s s i s t in devising some
means to obtain funds sufficient to enable them to p r o s e c u t e the c o n c e r n .
T h e want of
well qualified t e a c h e r s , to take charge of F r i e n d s ' s c h o o l s , is still a c k n o w l e d g e d ,
and it is b e l i e v e d that the Fund h a s p r o v e d a b l e s s i n g to some who h a v e received a i d
i n their efforts to improve in the h i g h e r b r a n c h e s , a n d w i l l , if contributed t o , still
b e b e n e f i c i a l ; a n d Friends have b e e n p e r s u a d e d to spare a little of their m e a n s , that
greater g o o d m a y result to society
T h e women's ora committee continued to collect voluntary contributions w i t h
which to p r o v i d e b o t h schools a n d t e a c h e r s , a n d to a p p e a l to the Y e a r l y M e e t i n g to give
further a i d to the great cause of e d u c a t i o n . ^ T h o s e requiring school e d u c a t i o n " , they
,
:
said in their report of 1 8 5 7 , "are continually coming u p o n the stage of a c t i o n , for a s
\ -
wl
Ibid, V o l .
p . 169.
It w a s a t
cipal of Friends* Central S c h o o l ,
larged career.
t - ^Extracts*", 1855 ( w o m e n ' s ) , p p . 4
$ - ^ E x t r a c t s * , 1856 ( w o m e n ' s ) , p p . 5
this time that A a r o n B . Ivins w a s chosen P r i n P h i l a d e l p h i a , w h i c h then entered u p o n a m u c h en- 6 .
X^ltZ
- 9 , 13 - 14; Friends' Intelligencer, V o l . ^ ^ , 1 8 5 .
42 day and night succeed each other, so do the generations of mankind; a n d as we think that
great loss has been sustained by luke-warmness in years that are p a s t , in relation to
keeping u p schools w h e r e a guarded education w a s m a i n t a i n e d , we feel the greater need of
doing now what our hands find to d o .
In conformity with this v i e w , w e have endeavoured
to fulfil the trust committed to u s , as way as o p e n e d . ^
n
The Yearly Meeting of this y e a r responded to its committee's report a s follows*
"The importance of a religiously guarded education for our children, continues to b e
one of increasing interest to our m e m b e r s , a n d w e are encouraged from year to year to
believe that a blessing is attending the labors of those actively engaged in the concern."
T h e next y e a r , their report on aid granted to young w o m e n preparing to teach
brought forth in the Yearly Meeting the "concern t h a t , in the training of our daughters,
there be a n especial reference to their future usefulness in life - that their school
education be ample to fit them for any business that m a y devolve u p o n them - that so
they m a y be capable of maintaining themselves in some useful calling, a s it is feared,
that, for want of this, many young women have b e e n induced to enter into unsuitable
7g
marriage connexions, often involving themselves and others in perplexity and wretchedness.
T h e men's meeting was by this time responding better to the women's a p p e a l ,
and their meeting in 1857 adopted the following minute: v^^Ehe proper training of youth
was felt to be of vital importance.
W h i l e the storing of the m i n d with useful knowledge
and the development of the intellect a r e proper subjects of parental c a r e , m a y we ever
remember that the growth of those holy principles which spring from the root of Divine
life in the soul, is the main object that should engage our a t t e n t i o n , for on this depends our happiness here and our preparation for the joys of e t e r n i t y . . . . . . .
The
condition of Friends unfavorably situated for the education of their children in schools
under the care of the society, claimed our sympathy, a n d all were encouraged to a n
- jftExtractg", 1 8 5 7 , (women's), B p . 9 - 1 1 .
- Ibid, p . 1 1 .
'
- ^Extracts?*, 1 8 5 8 , (women's), B p . 5 - 6 , 8 , 9 .
Ibid,-Vol i 1 1 , r."lD8.-»
H
increased, c a r e f u l n e s s , to a v o i d p l a c i n g them w h e r e m u s i c a n d v a i n accomplishments have
been i n t r o d u c e d , a n d also a g a i n s t the insidious attempts w h i c h are m a k i n g b y some
professors of r e l i g i o n , to improve p u b l i c m o r a l s b y the encouragement of theatrical
exhibitions."^
that "it is a p l e a s a n t reflection that the responsibilities a t t e n d a n t xrnon the vocation
of teacher m a y "be more fully discharger V
p
the Yearly „Ie tin;;."
%>ven the l i m i t e d assi-vS-v.--/ a f j ^ l e d tl:o:i by
But there r a s evidently m u c h a n x i e t y , if not h o s t i l i t y , in regard
to the n e w m o v e for e d u c a t i o n , not oiil
v
in the n.ent <• cut ever, in the women's meetinr; fo
f'V
a minute of the latter in 1359 records?
"From the s.mall number of applicants the past
year |for teachers' a i d j , we are fearful that the discouragements thrown u p o n the subjec
at cur last meeting has deterred, some of o u r y o u n g friends from a v a i l i n g themselves of
the opportunity of improvement intended for them by the creation of this f u n d , and w h i c h
the committee have ever h e l d themselves in readiness to furnish."
A^yfu-JL
Jjt- (P^jMiJ^jL^J^.
}
jgJ f
M a r t h a Tyson evidently decided that- it was now "the d a r k e s t h o u r before the
dawn", a n d that the increasing interest in education during the 1350's justified m a k i n g
her appeal to P h i l a d e l p h i a , the largest Y e a r l y M e e t i n g in the S o c i e t y .
Three Baltimore
ministers, n a m e l y , Samuel M . J a n n e y , A b e l A . Hull a n d Darlington H o o p e s , had visited
that m e e t i n g
i.impfs during the later 1850's; w h i l e L u c r e t i a M o t t had a t t e n d e d
Baltimore Yearly Meeting in 1 8 5 8 , and Deborah wharton a n d h e r associates w e r e also ready
to give the B a l t i m o r e educational c o n c e r n a n eager w e l c o m e in P h i l a d e l p h i a .
Accordingly
in M a y , 1 3 5 9 , Martha T y s o n journeyed to P h i l a d e l p h i a Y e a r l y M e e t i n g to launch h e r
hopeful but still difficult p r o j e c t .
The records of the Y e a r l y M e e t i n g , in a c c o r d a n c e w i t h the m o d e s t , or perhaps
the falsely m o d e s t , custom of those y e a r s , h a v e only v e i l e d references to h e r m i s s i o n .
n
For e x a m p l e , the Titnutes of the men's m e e t i n g m e r e l y say:
"The interesting subject of
education claimed a t t e n t i o n jat the m e e t i n g on F i f t h - d a y a f t e r n o o n , the 1 2 t h . of F i f t h
MonthJ, a n d a lively concern p r e v a i l e d that F r i e n d s may be enco'ir-ged to give
their
children a g u a r d e d , religious educr-tion, a n d that we m a y not feel that the provision
now m a d e for the support of p u b l i c schools a b s o l v e s u s from the duty of m a i n t a i n i n g our
acts". 1859 ( w o m e n ' s ) , ^ F p . 7 — 8 ,
Manuscript M i n u t e s , . ^ . 8 .
TLeTJjjiimtes of the w o m e n ' s m e e t i n g record (on the a f t e r n o o n of Fourths-dry,
I f -
he 11th. of Fifth Month):
"The subject of the guarded education of our children
ontinues to be one of the decpest interest to society [ i . e . to the Society of Friend Jj,
ad we have b e e n encouraged to continue our efforts in aid of those who desire to qualfy themselves for T e a c h e r s .
The Committee |oa E d u c a t i o n and L i b r a r i e s j is continued
o give such attention to the subject as m a y b e c e l l e d for."
A n d then follows the significant p a s s a g e ; "It is b e l i e v e d thot a Boarding
chool u n d e r the care of an A s s o c i a t i o n of Friends for the education of o u r c h i l d r e n , is
reatly n e e d e d ; the subject is left u n d e r our consideration."
T h e m i n u t e s for the next
ay also state: "The interesting-subject of a r e l i g i o u s l y guarded education has again
laimed our solid deliberation."
The minutes of b o t h the m e n ' s a n d w o m e n ' s meetings are w h o l l y silent as to
he a d v o c a t e s of the B o a r d i n g School a n d the srs.xune.nts a n d appeals w h i c h they p r e s e n t e d ,
ut "a friend rho was -resent at the W o m e n ' s Y e a r l y Meeting" sent a communication defTiling the m e e t i n g in some detail to the I n t e l l i g e n c e r , in w h i c h there appears the fol,owing statement: /j^A friend from B a l t i m o r e , introduced a concern she had long f e l t , that
u r Society should have an Institution for the liberal and g u a r d e d education of its memiers, especially for such as had the ability and desire to enter the p r o f e s s i o n of teachirs.
She reminded the m e e t i n g , of the labors of W i l l i a m P e n n , Isaac P e n n i n g t o n , John
Jtubbs, and. o t h e r s , who so nobly a n d effectually contributed to the dissemination of the
riews of G e o r g e Fox; their l e a r n i n g enhanced their u s e f u l n e s s , a n d so far from inducing
i spirit of pride, their a c q u i r e m e n t s only served to humble them in a sense o ^ their own
mworthiness.
^ T h e Friend expressed her desires that a n a s s o c i a t i o n be f o r m e d of the m e m b e r s
af the Yearly Meetings of New Y o r k , Philadelphia a n d B a l t i m o r e , for the establishment of
such a n I n s t i t u t i o n , w i t h a n endowment w h i c h w o u l d a f f o r d full a d v a n t a g e s to a l l .
- Manuscript fRinutes,
JR. 5 1 .
r
- Vol.
l. 3 (Fifth M o . 2 1 , 1 8 5 3 ) .
i m f
These
views claimed, the attention of the m e e t i n g , a n d the h o p e w a s expressed that the importance of the subject w o u l d be deeply felt; it was u r g e d that the present is the time
for a c t i o n , and .as ma.;y are now suffering for want of a suitable b o a r d i n g s c h o o l , it
was suggested that u n n e c e s s a r y delay w o u l d u n a v o i d a b l y deprive m a n y of o u r y o u t h of the
advantages such an establishment w o u l d a f f o r d .
O n the last s i t t i n g , a w i s h was expres-
sed that Friends*' m i g h t promote the cause of education in their own n e i g h b o r h o o d by a
liberal support of their smaller s c h o o l s .
deep solemnity and f e e l i n g .
The close of the meeting w a s m a r k e d with
Gr."^
The same number of the Intelligencer contained an editorial n o t i c e of the
=
Jt
Yearly M e e t i n g w h i c h included'the f o l l o w i n g p a r a g r a p h : ^j>The subject of e d u c a t i o n , a n d
the n e c e s s i t y for a. school w h e r e teachers in m e m b e r s h i p w i t h the Society can b e qualified to a s s u m e the responsibilities of instructing our y o u t h , called forth m u c h exp r e s s i o n from Friends in different parts of the Yearly M e e t i n g , a n d though no a c t i o n
was taken this y e a r , the minds of Friends are evidently p r e p a r i n g to embrace and carry
out some w e l l digested p l a n , by w h i c h this important end can b e a c c o m p l i s h e d .
m o o t i n g oloood after ono ooooion on S i x t h day morniagT"
"The friend from B a l t i m o r e " , - M a r t h a T y s o n , - having p o u r e d forth Iter
heart's desire b e f o r e the m e e t i n g , w e m a y well b e l i e v e that h e r friend. L u c r e t i a Mott
was one of those who earnestly supported h e r c o n c e r n .
F o r L u c r e t i a h a d a t t e n d e d Bal-
timore Y e a r l y M e e t i n g six m o n t h s b e f o r e , a n d h a d doubtless talked w i t h M a r t h a about the
p r o p o s e d school; a n d in the Y e a r l v M e e t i n g in P h i l a d e l p h i a , In 1 8 5 9 , she w a s active
U - U o l in ito service,
c ^ J ^ ^
^eJ^rrL
Some idea, of the inertia, a n d indifference that M a r t h a T v s o n a n d h e r associates h a d to overcome is reflected in an a r t i c l e w r i t t e n for the I n t e l l i g e n c e r two
months after the Y e a r l y M e e t i n g c l o s e d .
:. )-
Its a u t h o r ("H" ) b e g i n s w i t h the statement;
Ibid, f . 152.
L u c r e t i a led the list of P h i l a d e l p h i a Quarterly M e e t i n g ' s r e p r e s e n t a t i v e s , a n d
Deborah F.Wharton w a s one of t h e m .
:> - V o l ? ® , 9. 2 7 5 .
• j. - "H" might well be B e n j a m i n H a l l o w e l l .except that the article was dated in Philadelphia.
if
11
T h e '-ant of g o o d p r a c t i c a l s c h o o l s f o r the g u a r d e d e d u c a t i o n and p r o p e r m o r a l train-
ing of the y o u t h o f o u r S o c i e t y , h a s n e v e r b e e n more p a i n f u l l y f o r c e d u p o n m y a t t e n t i o n
than w i t h i n the p a s t few w e e k s .
T h e u n a c c o u n t a b l e i n d i f f e r e n c e m a n i f e s t e d b y m a n y of
3ur m e m b e r s on this a l l - i m p o r t a n t s u b j e c t is g r e a t l y
to be d e p l o r e d a n a is, I f e a r ,
naterially a f f e c t i n g o u r r e l i g i o u s w e l f a r e as a. b o d y . "
A f t e r q u o t i n g the a d v i c e on edu-
cation in the P h i l a d e l p h i a " D i s c i p l i n e " , the a u t h o r c o n t i n u e s : "I h a v e r e c e n t l y a t t e n d e d
i n u m b e r of m e e t i n g s in d i f f e r e n t s e t t l e m e n t s . o f F r i e n d s , a n d u p o n i n q u i r y c o u l d n o t
ascertain that in a n y one i n s t a n c e p r o v i s i o n h a d b e e n ma.de for s e c u r i n g to the c h i l d r e n
•md y o u t h the g u a r d e d e d u c a t i o n w h i c h o u r D i s c i p l i n e e n j o i n s .
T w o , at l e a s t , of o u r
sister Y e a r l y M e e t i n g s are a l t o g e t h e r s i l e n t u p o n the s u b j e c t of S c h o o l s . "
The " g u a r d e d education" w h i c h this F r i e n d h a d in m i n d w a s one p r o t e c t e d
ageinst the i g n o r a n c e , p r e j u d i c e , a n d h o s t i l i t y to F r i e n d s ' p r i n c i p l e s a n d
testimonies,
Phich w e r e too u s u a l l y f o u n d in the i l l - e q u i p p e d t e a c h e r s p r o v i d e d a t thpt time in the
public s c h o o l s .
A n d y e t Q u a k e r p a r e n t s , b e c a u s e they p a i d taxes for the s u p p o r t of these
s c h o o l s ^ c o n t i n u e d to expose " t h e i r t e n d e r o f f s p r i n g , at a n a g e w h e n t h e i r m i n d s are m o s t
susceptible of i m p r e s s i o n s to the care of t r a n s i e n t p e r s o n s of d o u b t f u l
character."
Such c o m p l a i n t s w e r e e v i d e n c e , n o t o n l y of i n d i f f e r e n c e o n the p a r t of some
nembers of the S o c i e t y , b u t a l s o o f a n a r o u s e d a n a g r o w i n g i n t e r e s t in e d u c a t i o n o n the
oart b o t h of its l e a d e r s a n d of the r a n k a n d f i l e .
-j r - - —
- L t
M a r t h a T y s o n t h e r e f o r e r e t u r n e d to B a l t i m o r e a f t e r h e r v i s i t to P h i l a d e l p h i a
y
H
r
v
-
—
yearly M e e t i n g , in M a y ^ 1 3 5 9 , w i t h r e n e w e d d e t e r m i n a t i o n a n d c o u r a g e .
To h e r a i d c a m e
Deborah F . T7harton, " a m i n i s t e r f r o m S p r u c e S t r e e t M o n t h l y M e e t i n g , P h i l a d e l p h i a " , and.
Samuel C . T h o r n , "a m i n i s t e r f r o m !7estburv M o n t h l y M e e t i n g , L o n g I s l a n d " , b o t h of
%0
whom a t t e n d e d B a l t i m o r e Y e a r l y M e e t i n g in O c t o b e r and N o v e m b e r , 1 8 5 S .
Benjamin Hallow-
ell was c l e r k of this m e e t i n g (the m e n ' s b r a n c h ) , a n d M a r g a r e t h i s w i f e was c l e r k of the
women's b r a n c h .
T h e m i n u t e s of the Y e a r l y M e e t i n g give no echo of a n y a p p e a l s m a d e
behalf of e d u c a t i o n , and w e can o n l y c o n j e c t u r e t h a t a g r e a t d e a l o f u n o f f i c i p l
'"'Extracts**, 1359 (women' s ) , "p. 4 .
in
discussion
'.7
n
of the -problem a n d the latest solution p r o p o s e d for i t , went on during the intervals
between the meeting's sesr ionjjLno in the hours of delightful social converse and. hosf
i
pitality for w h i c h the Baltimore Friends were widely f a m o u s .
(pMu+j^jjfMu.
jyiijfc^^
i sGrt
Martha T^son does not aoo^ar to h a v e a t t e n d e d P h i l a d e l p h i a Yearly Meeting in
%
tfey^ 1360;
out she doubtless hopeci m u c h for education from its d e l i b e r a t i o n s .
The
women's m e e t i n g adopted a report from their standing c o m m i t t e e , signed by D e b o r a h F .
STharton a n d Sarah S . Biddle; but this was m e r e l y a. statistical statement
of cash ex-
£3
pended for teachers' training a n d c o o k s .
The women's m e e t i n g did devote a. session to
aiscussine "the religiously g u a r d e d education of o u r c h i l d r e n " , but local m e e t i n g - s c h o o l s (irere still of paramount i n t e r e s t , as a p p e a r s from the following m i n u t e :
^ T h e m e e t i n g w a s i n t r o d u c e d into a deep e x e r c i s e relative to the religiously
guarded e d u c a t i o n of our children; a n d , w h i l e w e are interested in a f f o r d i n g a n education to qualify y o u n g w o m e n for t e a c h e r s , we w e r e encouraged to e x t e n d care to the small
neighbourhood s c h o o l s , where our children receive the first rudiments of l e a r n i n g , a s
impressions are m a d e at this tender a g e w h i c h o f t e n remain through life; a n d b e l i e v i n g
there a r e m a n y remote n e i g h b o u r h o o d s w i t h o u t g o o d p r i m a r y s c h o o l s , our Q u a r t e r l y M e e t i n g s
are requested to take the subject into serious c o n s i d e r a t i o n , a n d , a f t e r examining into
the situation of their respective m e e t i n g s , to f o r w a r d to o u r next Y e a r l y M e e t i n g a clear
report of the a c t u a l state of those h a v i n g schools a n d those in w a n t of them.-Jb
In the Enistle w h i c h the w o m e n ' s m e e t i n g addressed)to its sister m e e t i n g in
*
Jew Y o r k occurs the following p a s s a g e :
"The deeply interesting subject of the g u a r d e d school
education of our y o u t h h a s b e e n feelingly b e f o r e u s , a n d w e h a v e b e e n reminded that if
ve w o u l d transmit to o u r children the n o b l e t e s t i m o n i e s b o r n e b y o u r p r e d e c e s s o r s , w e m u s t
se a r o u s e d to the importance of m a i n t a i n i n g schools u n d e r our o w n care, where these tesThree other m i n i s t e r s f r o m B a l t i m o r e Y e a r l y M e e t i n g a t t e n d e d the P h i l a d e l p h i a m e e t i n g
~ in 1860,namely,Samuel M . J a n n e y , A b e l A . H u l l f t h o a u t h o r ' a grandfather*) .and D a r l i n g t o n
Hoopes;
R a c h e l H i c k s , a m i n i s t e r from W e s t b u r y . L o n g I s l a n d , a n d Esther Haviland^
timonies
a r ealso
upheld."
! - '"Extracts*. 1 8 6 0 (women's), fi. 4 - 5 .
foho
a u t h o r ' o great grandmother)., a m i n - .
:
1
>id
~ *
p- 12. ...
[later f r o m Chappaqua M o n t h l y M e e t i n g , U . Y .
-^voi.^
f f f T b o T ^ ^ j ^ L L ,
A correspondent sent to the I n t e l l i g e n c e r
a further statement of the w o m e n ' s
a c t i o n , a s follows: JjPThe interest i n education a p p e a r s to i n c r e a s e , a n d a n inquiry
into the exact state of schools in each constituent m e e t i n g enjoined to be m a d e the
ensuing y e a r , in order that n e i g h b o r h o o d schools m a y b e such as w e r e designed b y
F r i e n d s , w h e n , in the early settlement of this c o u n t r y , they p l a c e d a school-house
wherever they built a m e e t i n g - h o u s e .
B e l i e v i n g that the m o s t l a s t i n g impressions a r e
m a d e in c h i l d h o o d , they w e r e a d v i s e d to g i v e p a r t i c u l a r a t t e n t i o n to the education of
their little
c h i l d r e n , a n d n o t to c o n s i d e r their culttire in later y e a r s a s of m o r e
importance than their early i n s t r u c t i o n s ; ^
{Lui
T h e m e n ' s ^Extracts^yjgive m e r e l y a b r i e f s t a t i s t i c a l statement a s to F r i e n d s '
n
schools;
—
*
%t
b u t the Intelligencer's correspondent informs u s : - ^ S e v e r a l F r i e n d s expressed
their concern at the exceptions m a d e in some of the a n s w e r s , that the children of
F r i e n d s w e r e p l a c e d at B o a r d i n g Schools n o t m d e r the care of m e m b e r s of our S o c i e t y . ^
^ C h i l d r e n are sometimes sent to school w h e r e the p l a i n language
is n e v e r
spoken, they seldom go to m e e t i n g s , and r e c e i v e their instruction from h i r e l i n g
1
ministers* . . . •
"Some further r e m a r k s w e r e m a d e on the impropriety of p l a c i n g our children
at schAols w h e r e our principles a r e not i n c u l c a t e d , a n d a h o p e w a s expressed that w e
should encourage institutions in o u r own Y e a r l y M e e t i n g , taught b y concerned m e m b e r s
of our S o c i e t y .
3*A F r i e n d b e l i e v e d the f o u n d a t i o n dtf this difficulty is in the institution
of p u b l i c schools, to w h i c h some of our m e m b e r s are compelled to send their c h i l d r e n .
L a r g e Committees h a v e b e e n a p p o i n t e d on this subject in this Y e a r l y M e e t i n g , b u t no w a y
has y e t o p e n e d for r e l i e f .
H e f e a r e d the f o r c i n g system n o w so common in o u r city
schools w a s disastrous to h e a l t h . F o r m e r l y w h e n F r i e n d s h a d the care of c h i l d r e n , they
: - Vol. ^ r p .
m T ^ j ^ I z f
i! - -gfcctractsfr. 1 8 6 0 , 9. 8 .
- I n t e l l i g e n c e r , V o l . t ^ , 'y. 1 7 3 .
TTvtt
**fT>
were educated in a m o d e r a t e w a y , but times h a d changed; the system of forcing h a d
become respectable in the Society to the injury of the rising g e n e r a t i o n .
•*Other v i e w s were p r e s e n t e d u p o n this deeply interesting s u b j e c t , w h e n a
Friend remarked that it w o u l d come u p in o r d e r , in the a n s w e r s to the second a n n u a l
Query
The Y e a r l y M e e t i n g ' s consideration of education w a s f o l l o w e d b y a n editorial
in the F r i e n d s ' Intelligencer for Sixth M o n t h 3 0 , I 8 6 0 , w h i c h w a s b a s e d on a commurdcation signed b y "our friend D . G."
D . G . ' s l e t t e r is not p u b l i s h e d , b u t the editorial
states that it a d v o c a t e d the r a i s i n g of a p e r m a n e n t fund in the Y e a r l y M e e t i n g s to b e
applied to the support of a F r i e n d s ' school b y every p r e p a r a t i v e a n d m o n t h l y m e e t i n g .
The editorial endorses this p r o p o s a l a n d suggests that if it were fully c a r r i e d o u t ,
I
"we w o u l d n o t h a v e to complain of p r e s e n t d e f i c i e n c i e s , for each n e i g h b o r h o o d w o u l d
h a v e the k i n d of school m o s t suited to its n e e d s , a n d Q u a r t e r l y a n d Y e a r l y Meetings
might b e excited to p r o p e r exertions for the institution a n d support of those of a m o r e
advanced class."
^
^
f
,
^
^
_
^
J h M A ^ ^ ^ i U *
R e a l i z i n g that the official a c t i o n o f the Y e a r l y M e e t i n g s ^ - if any were
taken^ - w o u l d p r o b a b l y b e to increase the number of elementary schools supported b y
local m e e t i n g s , a n d d e s i r i n g to c o n s e r v e the current interest o f m a n y F r i e n d s in p r o v i d ing for a h i g h e r system of e d u c a t i o n u n d e r F r i e n d l y c a r e , M a r t h a T y s o n contributed to
QO
the Intelligencer for Seventh M o . 2 8 , I 8 6 0 , ' a n a r t i c l e of four c o l u m n s , entitled "On
0/
S c h o o l s " , ' d a t e d " B a l t i m o r e , 7 t h m o . 6 t h , 1 8 6 0 " , a n d signed " T " .
This article repeats its a u t h o r ' s familiar a d v o c a c y of a liberal education
u n d e r the care of Friends; it recalls the example of the early F r i e n d s in E n g l a n d a n d
p a r t i c u l a r l y that of the F r i e n d s ' first schools in P h i l a d e l p h i a w h i c h "produced the m e n
2 4 8
?•
• "D.G-." w a s p r o b a b l y D a v i d G r i s c o m . '
~
- ^ 0 1 . 4:7-, f p . 308 - 1 0 .
J It h a d the sub^title: "Written after reading the editorial in F r i1e n d s ' Intelligencer
/ of the 3 0 t h of 6th m o . , 1 8 6 0 , o n the subject of S c h o o l Education? '
» r f /
w h o , during the R e v o l u t i o n a r y W a r , m a i n t a i n e d the p a c i f i c p r i n c i p l e s of Q u a k e r i s m
in p r e f e r e n c e to the w a r l i k e spirit w h i c h p e r v a d e d other religious b o d i e s " ; a n d it
appeals to "the Friends of that f a v o r e d city" to a i d in the establishment of a n
"institution of l e a r n i n g
)
set apart for the education of ^ F r i e n d s ' ] teachers."
A f t e r quoting from the R e p o r t
of the Committee on E d u c a t i o n to B a l t i m o r e Y e a r l y Meeting in 1 3 5 4 , the a u t h o r (of
both the article a n d the report) continues:
w o u l d respectfully inquire w h e t h e r it w o u l d h e impossible to induce the
Friends of N e w Y o r k , P h i l a d e l p h i a a n d Baltimore Y e a r l y M e e t i n g s to u n i t e in raising
a g e n e r o u s subscription for the endowment of a school for the e d u c a t i o n of t e a c h e r s ,
where the religious i n f l u e n c e , the t a l e n t s , a n d the literary a n d scientific learning
of the best m i n d s in these m e e t i n g s m i g h t combine t o g e t h e r , a n d , u n d e r the divine
b l e s s i n g , p r o d u c e a h a p p i e r state of things in our S o c i e t y .
* A n institution of this k i n d should b e established in a s i t u a t i o n , c e n t r a l ,
as regards the three Yearly M e e t i n g s spoken of; a n d so well e n d o w e d , a s , after the
purchase of the n e c e s s a r y grounds a n d the erection of the buildings^ the p u r c h a s e also
of books a n d p h i l o s o p h i c a l and other a p p a r a t u s , should y e t h a v e left a sum of m o n e y
in p e n n a n e n t investment, to y i e l d a supply for the education of p r o m i s i n g youths of
either sex who wished to b e c o m e t e a c h e r s , but w e r e without the m e a n s of p r o c u r i n g
1
the instruction necessary for the purpose. *'
To gain support for her p r o p o s a l among the "Liberal" F r i e n d s , M a r t h a T y s o n
cites the "handsome provision" for such education m a d e b y the "Orthodox"Friends
W e s t t o w n , P r o v i d e n c e a n d H a v e r f o r d : "at H a v e r f o r d a l o n e the interest of f i f t y
thousand dollars is a p p r o p r i a t e d a n n u a l l y to the education of y o u h g m e n in restricted
circumstances who desire to b e c o m e t e a c h e r s .
In this r e s p e c t , -therefore, if in no
o t h e r , w e m i g h t imitate the example furnished by that b o d y , a n d greatly to our advantage ."
M a r t h a T y s o n , in her v i s i t s to m a n y of the rural m e e t i n g s of F r i e n d s , especially during h e r residence of a d o z e n years in the c o u n t r y , h a d deepened h e r
sympathy a n d confidence in the p r o m i s i n g y o u n g p e o p l e of straitened m e a n s b a t h i g h
a m b i t i o n s ^ w h o m she h a d found in t h e m ,
^ p W i t h this class of y o u n g p e r s o n s " , she says
in h e r a r t i c l e , "we acknowledge a feeling of the deepest s y m p a t h y .
T h e y a r e to h e
found scattered here and there o v e r our S o c i e t y , h u t m o s t l y in the c o u n t r y ^
We n e v e r
mingle w i t h such without coveting their e n l a r g e m e n t , a n d recalling the following
beautiful sentiments of Addison*.
consider a h u m a n soul without education like m a r -
ble in a q u a r r y , which shews none of its inherent beauties u n t i l the skill of the
p o l i s h e r fetches out the c o l o r s , m a k e s the surface s h i n e , a n d discovers every orrism e n t a l
E d u c a t i o n , a f t e r the
same m a n n e r , when it w o r k s u p o n a noble m i n d , draws out to view every latent v i r t u e
a n d p e r f e c t i o n , w h i c h , without such h e l p s , a r e never able to m a k e their a p p e a r a n c e ^ *
aat sculpture is to the b l o c k of m a r b l e , education is to the h u m a n soul.
T h e p h i l o s o p h e r , the s a i n t , o r the h e r o , the w i s e , the g o o d ; o r the great m a n very
often lies h i d in the p l e b i a n , w h i c h a p r o p e r education might h a v e disinterred a n d
b r o u g h t to
light^
* l n dwelling u p o n "tli© f o r c e of these sentiments of this enlightened w r i t e r ,
a conviction deeply' impressed our feelings that for want of p r o p e r culture m a n y of
the m e m b e r s of the Society of F r i e n d s , who might h a v e b e e n 'burning- a n d shining
lights,' either in a r e l i g i o u s , literary of scientific s e n s e , h a v e p a s s e d or are p a s sing away their days, w i t h talents so obscured by ignorance that they m a y truly b e
said to h a v e b e e n 'hidden u n d e r a b u s h e l , ' and. thereby lost to the w o r l d .
Is not the
Society of w h i c h they a r e m e m b e r s in a great m e a s u r e a n s w e r a b l e for this abridgement
of their u s e f u l n e s s ^
Af^^nrpjL
^—
tfHW^Xn^
T h i s fervent a p p e a l called forth a\Bogly. to the "Baltimore
correspondent"
from "A m e m b e r of P h i l a d e l p h i a Y e a r l y M e e t i n g " , w h i c h was/dated 8 t h . m o . 5 , 1 8 6 0 ,
74
and p u b l i s h e d in the I n t e l l i g e n c e r for A u g u s t 1 8 .
1
T h i s reply explains that the
O r t h o d o x schools in P h i l a d e l p h i a a n d W e s t t o w n owed m u c h o f their funds to contributions b y Friends of the u n i t e d Society b e f o r e 1 8 2 7 ; \ a n d it suggests that "committees
Q & n
_
^ l u m e ^ 7 > p ~ 358 - S . f t ^ r U ^ Z ^ U
fc
m i g h t he appointed, in each Y e a r l y M e e t i n g jof the L i b e r a l Friends^ of Hew Y o r k ,
P h i l a d e l p h i a and B a l t i m o r e , to confer u p o n the subjecf'of education among F r i e n d s .
JfThe editorial in the same number of the I n t e l l i g e n c e r
stressed a l s o the reform of
education among F r i e n d s , but a p p e a l e d chiefly for the support of the m o n t h l y m e e t i n g
s c h o o l s , which h a d caused a very "lively a n d interesting" discussion in the P h i l a d e l phia. Yearly Meeting of W o m e n F r i e n d s in the p r e c e d i n g M a y .
^ T h i l s t a l l u d i n g to
f p r i m a r y s c h o o l s * , the editorial says, * t t m a y not be a m i s s to introduce a few rem a r k s u p o n the necessity of g i v i n g them a h i g h e r p o s i t i o n in the scale of education
t h a n we think they h a v e h e r e t o f o r e r e c e i v e d . . . . A complete course of liberal
instruction includes what a r e t e r m e d finishing schools; but great care should, b e taken
that these schools be p r o p e r l y e s t i m a t e d , a n a that they b e l o o k e d u p o n only a s the
superstructure, a n d not as talcing the p l a c e of that elementary tuition w h i c h forms
;
11
the f o u n d a t i o n of all m e n t a l culture." *
From this correspondence a n d editorial c o m m e n t , it is clear that the champions
of m o n t h l y m e e t i n g elementary schools a n d of a central school for liberal e d u c a t i o n ,
were somewhat a n x i o u s as to their respective c o n c e r n s .
F o r t u n a t e l y , M a r t h a Tyson's
p l a n of a school for h i g h e r l e a r n i n g h a d ^ a n integral p a r t the t r a i n i n g of teachers
p r o p e r l y equipped for teaching in the m o n t h l y m e e t i n g s c h o o l s .
T h i s feature of the
p l a n w a s recognized w i t h approval in qn editorial in the I n t e l l i g e n c e r for A u g u s t 25
w h i c h said;?TheVub.jcct of education claimed, mu.cn a l itmliun •
bex—to- the liH . -of Tflovrimbrr,. lXfipT
jfartha. ^yson
for—revfating.,h e r jcheri shed pro jec.tV^ Accordingly
l^avitod coaa.
1 \ -
Ibid, f . 360
Ibid, p . 376.
sfit
«<=$;
l^ln our last number we referred Friends to the advice of the Y e a r l y Meeting to extend
care to the small neighborhood schools; in the p r e s e n t one w e wish to direct their
attention to the intimate connection "between these a.nd such a school as has "been advocated by a B a l t i m o r e , a n d s u b s e q u e n t ! , b y a P h i l a d e l p h i a c o r r e s p o n d e n t . - - -^The
subject of educotion^fclairaed m u c h a t t e n t i o n in the l a t e Y e a r l y M e e t i n g s b o t h of Philadelphia and JTer Y o r k .
bodies next y e a r .
T h e minutes of these will b r i n g it l e g i t i m a t e l y before these
In trie m e a n w h i l e , we t r u s t , that those who have this subject at
h e a r t , will feel encouraged to revive it again and a g a i n , b o t h in reference to primary
schools, .and to the establishment of a n institution of a h i g h o r d e r , for w e believe
the tiale h a s come when the Society of Friends must a d o p t a n enlightened and comprehensive system of instruction.
The fact is forced u p o n u s that influences, and not
precepts , educate the c h i l d , and that if we w o u l d have our y o u t h appreciate our noble
testimonies, we must show by our a c t i o n s that w e are ready to m a k e great efforts and
sacrifices rather than place our children w h e r e these testimonies are d i s r e g a r d e d . ^
%
1860,
F o l l o w i n g this editorial, there appeared in the Intelligencer
for T e n t h M o .
a brief note on "Neighborhood S c h o o l s " , reminding the constituent meetings of
Philadelphia Yearly M e e t i n g that they h a d b e e n requested to forward to its next session
a report on "the actual state of schools w i t h i n the limits £of the yearly
meetingjThe
note closed w i t h the statement: "If this is d o n e , those who a r e deeply interested in the
cause of education will feel that at least one step h a s b e e n taken toward arousing the
bject."
JUo-Ly.
Martha Tyson w a s still w o r k i n f i n B a l t i m o r e to overcome the Society's lethargy
in regard to a thoroughly good central board3 ng|j school for teachers a n d o t h e r s , b e l i e v i n g
that it might supply b o t h the h i g h e r education w h i c h F r i e n d s g e n e r a l l y so greatly n e e d e d ,
and suitable teachers for Friends' local elementary s c h o o l s .
Baltimore Y e a r l y Meeting
held its sessions from the 2 9 t h . of O c t o b e r to the 1 s t . of N o v e m b e r , 1 8 6 0 , a n d she
seized thj^opportunity of p r o m o t i n g h e r long-cherished p r o j e c t . A c c o r d i n g l y , on F|rst~ ^jVol • ' l ^ y . 5 0 6 . The note is signed
p e r h a p s W i l l i a m Oris c o m , clerk of the"
. - .( T e a r l y M e e t i n g .
'
f
i
—
-
lay evening, the 2 8 t h . of O c t o b e r , she invited some three score leaders of the p e a r l y
.
--ft.
deeting and a few v i s i t i n g Friends from P h i l a d e l p h i a a n d New Y o r k Yearly Meetings*
^Luu.
frr^uj,
/fe^HTV^c-.
Sa^w^C
I
y^yLLut^
y
£r^m-riiilailBlphia--aiadr-i!hnr-Ynrfr to take supper at h e r h o m e , 1208 M a d i s o n A v e n u e ,
>
and\h discuss\iS*-
Her d a u g h t e r , Isabella T y s o n , w r o t e in h e r diary u n d e r the date of
%
November 1 s t , 1 8 6 0 , the following notej
"Yearly M e e t i n g just o v e r - a v e r y large
social gathering here on 1st day e v e n i n g , in w h i c h the subject of a F r i e n d s ' College
was introduced, at Mother's p a r t i c u l a r r e q u e s t .
A large m e e t i n g w a s h e l d on 2 n d
day e v e n i n g , at the M e e t i n g H o u s e ^Lombard StreetJ
, a t which it w a s resolved to a s k
the F r i e n d s of other states to a i d them in this p r o j e c t . "
N e a r l y thirty years l a t e r , on F e b r u a r y 6 , 1 8 9 0 , Isabella T y s o n w r o t e
(from
%
"1208 M a d i s o n A v e . " ) the following a c c o u n t of this h i s t o r i c supper-meeting h e l d a t
her p a r e n t s ' homej "J^l a m g l a d to send thee all that I can g l e a n , from m e m o r y a n d
e l s e w h e r e , in regard to the rise of S w a r t h m o r e , a n d the p r o m o t i o n thro it of the
cause of higher cultivation among F r i e n d s .
In m y p a r e n t s ' m i n d s , it w a s the natural
o u t g r o w t h of a very liberal e d u c a t i o n , for the time in w h i c h they l i v e d , a n d a conv i c t i o n that u n l e s s the seed implanted in m a n k i n d b y the Great A u t h o r of all good is
nourished
&
controlled by the best influences w h i c h we can e x e r t , we cannot dare
to hope that a s a people Friends ca.A a g a i n exert the p o w e r and influence & the
s t r e n g t h , by which their rise w a s m a r k e d .
father (Nathan T y s o n ) seldom spoke in a n y M e e t i n g of the F r i e n d s , but w a s
at a l l times, in the fullest sympathy with h i s w i f e ' s v i e w s , so often for l o n g y e a r s
e x p r e s s e d , thro' p e n & t o n g u e .
It was about the y e a r 1 8 5 1 , that M . I . T y s o n first
spoke at length in our Y e a r l y M t g . on the m a t t e r of a h i g h e r education a m o n g F r i e n d s , which v i e w s from time to t i m e , she ever a f t e r w a r d continued to u n f o l d .
A t first,
a l t h o ' the m a s s e s of our Friends h e l d views in u n i s o n with h e r s , there w a s with some a
^ -
^ -
T h i s note was copied from I s a b e l l a Tyson's diary b y h e r s i s t e r , L u c y T y s o n F i t z h u g h ,
and sent to W i l l i a m I.Hull w i t h a letter da-ted W e s t m i n s t e r , M a r y l a n d , 1 1 t h . M o n t h ^
1 6 * 1 9 0 9 . T h e letter is in the Swarthmore College F r i e n d s ' H i s t o r i c a l L i b r a r y .
It w a s w r i t t e n from "1208 M a d i s o n A v e . 2.6.1890," a n d a d d r e s s e d to William F e n n
H o l c o m b , at that time p r o f e s s & r of h i s t o r y i n Swarthmore C o l l e g e . The original is
in the college l i b r a r y . Swarthmore's library p o s s e s s e s , a l s o , p h o t o g r a p h s of these
historic p a r l o r s , "the b i r t h p l a c e of Swarthmore C o l l e g e " , w h i c h w e r e taken during
or before 1890; a n d a p h o t o g r a p h of the exterior of "1208 M a d i s o n A v e n u e " , w h i c h
w a s tahen in 1 9 3 0 , the h o u s e at that time h a v i n g been converted into a oheap.
apartment h o u s e a n d called "The C o u r t n e y " .
fear that this w i s h p o i n t e d to a literal culture of the m i n d a s being nescessary
to a qualification for the m i n i s t r y , a n d so they w e r e o p p o s e d to i t .
My p a r e n t s '
^
patience never was d i s t u r b e d , a n d I h a v e seen m y M o t h e r stand a„s a bright star a m o n g
£
her o p p o n e n t s , a.nd w i t h a grace a n d dignity w h i c h few p o s s e s s e d , w i t h all humility
declare that on that head., she w a s glad to say, that she h a d often times b e e n touched
^
by the a p p e a l s of the illiterate and. u n l e a r n e d far m o r e than by the eloquence of rare
and cultured m i n d s .
P o s s e s s i n g truest tact as w e l l as a most loving h e a r t , still work-
ing o n , at lastlshe arose 'twa.s evident that h e r m o s t earnest a n d u n s e l f i s h arguments
h
h
a p p e a l e d to nearly every m i n d , leading them steadily o n w a r d .
•*By a report of B a l t
e
^
Y e a r l y M t g 1854 (pamphlet form) it is shewn that Swarth-
m o r e is the outgrowth of a plala w h i c h was a l r e a d y taking shape, a l t h o ' it h a d no defi-
£
nite arrangement u n t i l the y e a r 1 8 6 0 .
T h e a r t i c l e of 6 - 3 - 1 8 6 0 , was from m y m o t h e r ' s
p e n ^ a n d the first conference w a s h e l d in 10 ^ fMonthj - 1 8 6 0 , i n the parlors^of N a t h a n
a n d M a r t h a E . T y s o n , 1208 M a d i s o n A v e .
T h e scene comes b a c k m o s t v i v i d l y .
Some 60
h a d b e e n h e r e to tea^ when a b o u t 8 o ' c l o c k w e w e r e a l l called to order a n d w e r e told
"f
that it w a s thought the time h a d come to build u p such a s c h o o l , as would p r o m o t e
F r i e n d s ' highest g o o d .
A m o n g our g u e s t s , I w e l l remember the silvery heads of Samuel
. £
M l l e t s , J o n a t h a n & L y d i a T h o r n e , two of the b r o t h e r s M a c y of N Y k i B . Hallowell & his
M
r
A
w i f e , Samuel T o w n s e n d , Samuelj^Janney, R ^achelj T . J a c k s o n , b e s i d e s m a n y m o r e .
My
parents were at one end of the r o o m , a n d n e a r them Samuel M . J a n n e y , who a t their request a r o s e and. in h i s p l e a s i n g a n d impressive m a n n e r spoke of 'the concern
we would now c o n s i d e r .
1
which
It soon became a m o s t imposing and dramatic scene w h i c h w i t h
p a t h e t i c interest w e now r e c a l l , b e c a u s e so m a n y of 'the faithful ones' h a v e gone to
their r e w a r d . The onward spirit w a s completely r o u s e d . It s e e m e d as tho''the deeps
were s t i r r e d ' , and old and y o u n g a l i k e took p a r t , M the earnestness of a l l who spoke
?
claiming for each a p l a c e .
n
T h e p l a n s w h i c h h a d b e e n foreshadowed b y the 'Report of
1854' a s s u m e d m o r e definite f o r m , and from this grew the appeal from B a i t . Y e a r l y
^
Meeting of that year (1860) that 'other Y e a r l y M t g s should u n i t e w i t h u s for the
great e n d of forming such a s c h o o l ' , a s a l l so fervently d e s i r e d .
(A few h a d l o n g
looked further than w a s then e x p r e s s e d , for a n a r t i c l e p u b l i s h e d in the Frds Intel
r
I forget what y e a ^ j ^ w a s from m y M o t h e r ' s p e n a n d I h e a r d the l a t e T h o m a s Foulke
assure h e r afterward that it w a s thro' the sentiments expressed therein that his son
was p e r m i t t e d to conclude u p o n the study of the law a n d m a k e it his p r o f e s s i o n .
New
6
York did not respond at once to the 'Appeal' from B a i t , as their n o t e s of the Y e a r l y
Meeting in 1861 show that 'the subject ha,s engaged the attention of the m e e t i n g , and it
(is )
(was) the u n i t e d judgement of those p r e s e n t that fcfae w a y does not now open to obtain
subscriptions to carry on the w o r k . '
W e k n o w h o w e v e r how m u c h they did a f t e r w a r d for
the advancement of the cause,"* a n o t h e r evidence that 'great bodies m o v e slowly.'
parents w e r e b o t h at the m e e t i n g (held a,t Race S t ^ ) to raise f u n d s , in 1861,
and continued to a t t e n d such m e e t i n g s during m y father's l i f e .
H i s death occurred 1 -
7 - 1 8 6 7 ^ so it was not his privilege to see his h o p e f u l f i l l e d . A f t e r this time m y
mother still w e n t o n , a n d took a n active interest in the business of these m e e t i n g s ,
leaving h o m e , & it is cause "of deep regret to u s that she was never strong enough to
see the College after it was b u i l t .
The last a r t i c l e she w r o t e regarding i t , was in
the a u t u m n of 1 8 7 1 , after the g i f t (by J o n a t h a n T h o m e ) of the p i c t u r e of 'Perm's
Treaty w i t h the Indians.'
I w i s h thou w o u l d s t refer to i t , in the Intelligencer of
^
that y e a r , as it will serve to show h o w w a r m a n d full h e r sympathy r e m a i n e d .
\
I
•^Martha E . Tyson departed this l i f e , 3 - 5 - 1 8 7 3 .
?
- - Thy friend,
ISABELLA TYSON.*
^
Isabella T y s o n ' ^ i s t e r , Lucy T y s o n F i t z h u g h , writes in h e r letter of November 1 6 ,
1909J "I greatly regret not h a v i n g b e e n at the m e e t i n g m y sister w r i t e s o f , but I w a s
not well at the time, & was ay-ay from h o m e .
M y sister's w o r d - p i c t u r e is so clear that
I seem to see all those she n a m e s , a s they sat in the old p a r l o r s of 1208 M a d i s o n A v e ,
the pictures of which I sent to S w a r t h m o r e , vith a copy of her letter thee speaks o f .
This^articlje
J.O.IJ.S.
1-CTXj-raroJ.^u.
\
/
.
I
T
*
f
,
/
•
/
>!
She had. intended seeding them, a.s they w e r e the b i r t h p l a c e of Swarthmore."
i^ir
f^... '..
1
— r ^ ^ L ^ ^ t
t
The p r o j e c t h a v i n g b e e n thus a u s p i c i o u s l y l a u n c h e d , the n e x t step w a s taken
in B a l t i m o r e M e e t i n g H o u s e on L o m b a r d Street the evening of the next d a y .
/c
This w a s
-Mrf^y
M o n d a y , the 2 9 t h . of O e t o b o ^ 1 8 6 0 , a n d the first sessions of the Y e a r l y M e e t i n g h a d
b e e n held in the m o r n i n g and a f t e r n o o n of that d a y .
The Y e a r l y M e e t i n g itself did
not directly consider the p r o j e c t , b u t its deep interest in its success is reflected
in the following m i n u t e of the m e n ' s m e e t i n g , w h i c h was w r i t t e n b y B e n j a m i n H a l l o w e l l ,
the m e e t i n g ' s c l e r k .
In describing "the state of s o c i e t y " , he w r o t e , w i t h the meet-
ing's a p p r o v a l :
guarded religious e d u c a t i o n of F r i e n d s ' children, h a s claimed our serious
c o n s i d e r a t i o n , a s a subject of v i t a l importance to the welfare a n d best interests of
this religious s o c i e t y .
To secure them a g a i n s t the contaminating influences of the
w o r l d around u s , to improve their minds w i t h u s e f u l k n o w l e d g e , a n d encourage their
g r o w t h in p i e t y and v i r t u e , are the objects that should claim the assiduous care of
p a r e n t s and guardian^; and w e assuredly b e l i e v e that a b l e s s i n g f r o m on h i g h will rest
u p o n those who enter u p o n this l a b o r , u n d e r a sense of religious d u t y , a n d with a
reliance u p o n divine a i d .
2*The saving p o w e r of dfivine g r a c e , is offered to the a c c e p t a n c e of the w h o l e
human family; like the g o o d seed w h i c h 'the sower w e n t forth to sow,' it falls u p o n
every v a r i e t y of g r o u n d , a n d the harvesL depends u p o n the state of p r e p a r a t i o n , a s w e l l
as the subsequent cultivation of the s o i l .
If it falls by the w a y s i d e , a n d the fowls
of the air. devour it, or if its g r o w t h is o b s t r u c t e d b y thorns a n d n o x i o u s w e e d s , the
responsibility will rest u p o n those w h o m d i v i n e p r o v i d e n c e h a s m a d e the recipients of
His b o u n t y , a n d the guardians of his dependent c h i l d r e n .
We b e l i e v e , m o r e o v e r , that
in the guarded education of yotith, a solemn responsibility rests u p o n the religious
society to w h i c h they b e l o n g , e s p e c i a l l y w h e n they a r e recognized by that b o d y as mem8 - I s a b e l l a1 T y s o n d i e d W ~ - * E x tracts "* (Men's), 1 8 6 0 , © p . 17 - 1 8 .
4/
/ bers "by "birthright.
To p r o v i d e for them suitable S c h o o l s , w h e r e their intel-
lectual faculties m a y be improved a n d their spiritual welfare p r o m o t e d , we regard
the imperative duty of our religious
society.^
T h e women's m e e t i n g , w i t h M a r g a r e t E . Hallowell as c l e r k , ex-pressed its
deep ihterest in the general subject of e d u c a t i o n a n d in the p r o p o s e d school in par10
ticular by adopting the f o l l o w i n g m i n u t e :
>&The want of suitable Schools f o r the right education of our c h i l d r e n , a n d
p a r t i c u l a r l y such as m i g h t b e c o m e t e a c h e r s , w a s renewedly felt; - Schools in w h i c h
they w o u l d not b e e x p o s e d to the contaminating influences that a b o u n d in the w o r l d ,
bnt in w h i c h teachers m i g h t b e c o m e qualified to give such instruction as w o u l d pro, m o t e their highest i n t e r e s t s .
A strong h o p e is felt b y m a n y , that such a School
S m a y yet b e e s t a b l i s h e d . ^
T h e concern for a new school was c a r r i e d on directly b y the u n o f f i c i a l m e e t i n g
of Friends h e l d in the M e e t i n g H o u s e on "2nd Day e v e n i n g , T e n t h M o n t h 29th."
It w a s
the following T h u r s d a y (November 1 ) , that I s a b e l l a T y s o n w r o t e in h e r d i a r y , as
quoted a b o v e , of the close of Y e a r l y M e e t i n g on the 1 s t . , a n d of the m e e t i n g s on the
p r e c e d i n g Sunday a n d M o n d a y
evenings.
There appears to be no contemporary record of these m e e t i n g s b y M a r t h a T y s o n ,
B e n j a m i n H a l l o w e l l , Samuel M . J a n n e y , or any of their compeers; b u t the following
letter from B e n j a m i n H a l l o w e l l ' s son a n d n a m e s a k e is of i n t e r e s t .
"Benj. Hallowell,
Jr" w r i t e s : ^ L a n s d o w n e P a 12/2/09 Wm I H u l l D e a r friend T h y letter of 1st i n s t . is
received - - - I fear
that I cannot a d d to thy information ih r e g a r d to m y Father's
connexion with the pro-position of nn a d v a n c e d school u n d e r the general care of
F r i e n d s , a s I h a d left home in 1 8 5 6 .
know h o w e v e r , that the family r e m o v e d p e r m a n e n t l y to 'Rockland' M a r y l a n d ,
\
in 1 8 6 0 - and I thi ± that it was that F a l l , that h e a n d M a r t h a T y s o n of B a l t i m o r e ,
-
^Extracts?* (Women's), 1 8 6 0 , "p. 1 3 . T h i s m i n u t e w a s a d o p t e d at the close of the
Y e a r l y M e e t i n g , o n "the 1st of the 1 1 t h mo a n d 5th of the week."
w i t h p e r h a p s some other Friends (it b e i n g the time of Baltimore Y e a r l y M e e t i n g ) m e t
at Martha's h o m e , and entered into a full a n d free interchange of v i e w s , a n d decided
that the time w a s ripe for its a c c o m p l i s h m e n t ^
do not k n o w c f any diary or journal of their p r o c e e d i n g s , b u t it w a s from
that b e g i n n i n g that Swarthmore College a r o s e .
*
•*And. in loyalty to my dear M o t h e r , M a r g a r e t E . H a l l o w e l l , I m a y a d d , that
when a p r o p e r name f o r the College was w a n t e d , m a n y were s u g g e s t e d , a n d m y m o t h e r
sent in the n a m e "Swarthmoor" after the 'Swarthmoor H a l l ' , h o m e of George F o x , w h i c h
// *
was a c c e p t e d , though now spelled
'Swarthmore.'
R e g r e t t i n g the m e a g r e n e s s of m y i n f o r m a t i o n , I am
Sincerely thy f r i e n d
Benj. Hallowell Jr^Samuel M . Janney's d a u g h t e r , C o r n e l i a , w r i t e s from "Lincoln j v i r g i n i a ^ l l
mo 25
as follows:
tlX
do not f i n d any m e n t i o n m a d e in m y father'* Journal
of the beginnings of Swarthmore C o l l e g e .
If I remember r i g h t l y , the concern to es-
tablish a F r i e n d s C o l l e g e , a r o s e at an evening m e e t i n g at M a r t h a T y s o n ' s during
B a l t i m o r e Yearly M e e t i n g .
M y father a n d B e n j a m i n H a l l o w e l l w e r e b o t h p r e s e n t , a n d
were m u c h interested in the c o n c e r n .
Soon a f t e r t h a t , the w a r came o n , w i t h its
h o r r o r s , and I a m sure he w o u l d not h a v e h a d a n opportunity to take a n a c t i v e p a r t
in the establishment of S w a r t h m o r e .
R e s p e c t f u l l y thy f r i e n d ,
A t this point ifa the s t o r y , w e a r e confronted w i t h a m a n u s c r i p t b o o k preserved in the F r i e n d s ' H i s t o r i c a l L i b r a r y of S w a r t h m o r e C o l l e g e , containing twentysix pages of m a n u s c r i p t r e c o r d s , together w i t h ten p r i n t e d p a g e s of a n "^Addressf* a n d
a large
numb
er of b l a n k p a g e s .
T h e s e records a r e s i g n e d , for P h i l a d e l p h i a a n d H e w
Y o r k , b y Dillwyn P a r r i s h , who a c t e d as clerk f o r a number of the m e e t i n g s h e l d in
-O^fc- C
3
those cities; but the three p a g e s d e v o t e d to "Proceedings in Baltimore" (the first
three pages in the b o o k ) are u n s i g n e d , a l t h o u g h they too a p p e a r to b e in the handwriting of Dillwyn P a r r i s h .
The source of these three p a g e s is not given; but Benja-
min Hallowell a n d R i c h a r d T . B e n t l e y are said to have a c t e d as clerks for the B a l t i m o r e
meetings, a n d it m a y have b e e n from them that D i l l w y n P a r r i s h r e c e i v e d the m i n u t e s of
the proceedings in B a l t i m o r e w h i c h h e a p p a r e n t l y c o p i e d in his b o o k before inscribing
his own m i n u t e s of the P h i l a d e l p h i a a n d H e w Y o r k m e e t i n g s .
These records begin the story with the second of O c t o b e r , 1 8 6 0 , instead of the
2 8 t h . a n d are as follows;
"^PROCEEDINGS IN BALTIMORE.
a large Meeting of F r i e n d s who feel the w a n t of a d d i t i o n a l facilities for
the g u a r d e d education of F r i e n d s ' c h i l d r e n , a n d especially for the supply of suitable
teachers in m e m b e r s h i p with u s to w h o m to entrust our children in our neighborhood
d
Schools, h e l d 10th m o 2
1860.
B e n j H a l l o w e l l w a s requested to act as Clerk for the
Meeting.
^ A f t e r a full free interchange of sentiment a.nd the expression of some v i e w s ,
illustrative of the want in this respect u n d e r ' w h i c h our S o c i e t y , at p r e s e n t l a b o r s ,
it w a s the judgment of the M e e t i n g that a Committee b e a p p o i n t e d to p r e p a r e an a d d r e s s
upon the subject to our own m e m b e r s a n d also to the m e m b e r s of a l l the Y e a r l y Meetings
with w h i c h this c o r r e s p o n d s , with a statement of such v i e w s a n d p l a n s as they m a y think
calculated to p l a c e the m a t t e r in its true light b e f o r e F r i e n d s g e n e r a l l y , a n d to act
therein, in furtherance of the o b j e c t , in such way a s they think m a y b e b e s t calculated to p r o m o t e the end in v i e w .
4*The following Friends are a p p o i n t e d said C o m m i t t e e , v i z Benjj^ H a l l o w e l l
Janney
Gerard H Reese
if(r
R i c h ^ T Bentley
John Q Turner
Martha E Tyson
M a r y G Moore
John P a r r i s h
Rebecca Turner
M a r y B Husband.
Rath H a n n a h Smith
•^The Meeting then a d j o u r n e d . ^
Mo 1 3
t h
1860
&
Mary L Roberts
—
-
—
~ ~
—
The Committee m e t at the Committee R o o m in the City of
Baltimore.
•^Present Benj/\ H a l l o w e l l , Ssm^ M ^ J a n n e y , J o h n P a r r i s h , Richj^ T B e n t l e y ,
M a r t h a S T y s o n , Ma.ry G M o o r e , R e b e c c a T u r n e r , M a r y B H u s b a n d , R u t h H a n n a h Smith a n d
Mary L R o b e r t s .
JL
•^Rich^ T Bentley was a p p o i n t e d Clerk for the C o m m i t t e e .
vBenjJ^ Hallowell consented to p r e p a r e a n a d d r e s s explanatory of the objects
w e have in v i e w , to b e submitted to a. m e e t i n g of the Committee to h e h e l d in this city
th
o n the 19
inst at Seven O c l o c k .
i
flBenj^ H a l l o w e l l , S a m ^ M J a n n e y , J o h n P a r r i s h , M a r t h a E T y s o n a n d R e b e c c a
Turner were appointed to p r o c e e d as soon after the p r e p a r a t i o n of the a d d r e s s as m a y
be p r a c t i c a b l e to P h i l a d e l p h i a a n d H e w Y o r k a n d endeavor to enlist our Friends of
those Y e a r l y Meetings in active Cooperation with u s , in the establishment of this m u c h
needed I n s t i t u t i o n .
^ T h e n adjourned.-*
P T e n t h M o n t h 19
1860.
The Committee m e t p u r s u a n t to a d j o u r n m e n t .
^Present B Hallowell, J.C.Turner, G H Reese, R T Bentley, M E Tyson, M.G.
M o o r e , R Turner and M a r y B H u s b a n d .
^ T h e address to b e p r e p a r e d wa,s p r o d u c e d a n d r e a d . - M u c h interest wa,s manifested in its consideration and w i t h a few a l t e r a t i o n s it was a d o p t e d a n d the F r i e n d s
named at our last M e e t i n g were encouraged to p r o c e e d in a c c o r d a n c e w i t h the m i n u t e s
then m a d e
jtfThen adjourned.*^
These records do not state at w h a t p l a c e in Baltimore the m e e t i n g of the 2 n d of
October was held; but since it w a s "a l a r g e M e e t i n g " , it w a s p r o b a b l y h e l d in the
Meeting House on Lombard. Street^ w h i l e it is stated that the m e e t i n g on October
/^fifb+jcJr. A+JhJLt
13 was held in "the Committee Eoom'^-wbtdaBdsafi^in the L o m b a r d Street M e e t i n g H o u s e .
The leading p r o p o n e n t s of the new s c h o o l , n a m e l y , B e n j a m i n Hallowell a n d M a r t h a
Tyson, w e r e p r e s e n t at a l l three of these m e e t i n g s , and they w e r e b o t h appointed
on the committee of five to lay the concern b e f o r e the Friends of P h i l a d e l p h i a a n d
New Y o r k Y e a r l y M e e t i n g s .
We arejkot told u n d e r w h o s e initiative or u n d e r w h a t a u s p i c e s the Baltimore
m e e t i n g of O c t o b e r 2 was c a l l e d .
But it a p p e a r s to h a v e b e e n due to the personal
concern of its two chief p r o p o n e n t s , M a r t h a T y s o n a n d B e n j a m i n H a l l o w e l l .
T h e former
had b e e n appointed b y the w o m e n ' s Y e a r l y M e e t i n g in 1858 the clerk or chairman of
a large "Standing Committee" for the p u r c h a s e a n d distribution of b o o k s ; but this
committee reported to the Y e a r l y M e e t i n g of 1859 a n expenditure of only $ 9 1 . 7 5 , a n d
Martha Tyson as a m e m b e r also of the c o m m i t t e e in charge of the successful Fair H i l l
Boarding School evidently determined to m o v e for a m o r e important step in Quaker
education.
M a r g a r e t E . H a l l o w e l l was also a m e m b e r of the b o o k c o m m i t t e e , a n d h a d
long b e e n clerk of the women's Y e a r l y M e e t i n g . B e n j a m i n H a l l o w e l l , as clerk of the
m e n ' s Y e a r l y M e e t i n g for ma,iy y e a r s , w a s e x c u s e d from m u c h c o m m i t t e e - w o r k , but his
leadership in education caused h i m to b e deeply interested in the new p r o j e c t .
Samuel
M . J a n n e y , t o o , a leading Quaker educator a n d a u t h o r , came u p to B a l t i m o r e f o r the
meetings on October ^ . n d 1 3 , a n d a t the request of M a r t h a T y s o n p r e s e n t e d the concern
at the m e e t i n g ih h e r p a r l o r s on October 2 8 .
( & . . . y.,.
0 tf*i' « LeL
, /
Atfilf'Ht
/
r-;
,
-M
tOj
;
H
T £ e a d d r e s s w h i c h B e n j a m i n H a l l o w e l l w a s a p p o i n t e d at the m e e t i n g o n October
13 to p r e p a r e , a n d w h i c h he p r e s e n t e d to the committee on October 1 9 , was a d o p t e d
"with a few alterations."
>
$
But b e f o r e the c o m m i t t e e of five p r o c e e d e d to go with
this addreuo to P h i l a d e l p h i a a n d New Y o r k , either the committee of twelve or the com1 - ^Extracts*, 1858, p . 7.
% - ^Extracts, 1859, p . 6 - 7.
a
mittee of five evidently decided that it w o u l d h e wise to procure a w i d e r endorsement of the project from the F r i e n d s of the entire B a l t i m o r e Y e a r l y M e e t i n g , instead of from only those of the city of B a l t i m o r e , who p r o b a b l y composed for the m o s t
part the "large meeting" h e l d on O c t o b e r 2 .
H e n c e it was that on First-day e v e n i n g ,
the 2 8 t h . of O c t o b e r , at the b e g i n n i n g of "Yearly M e e t i n g w e e k " , the m e e t i n g of
"Yearly M e e t i n g Friends" was h e l d at the h o m e of M a r t h a T y s o n , and on Second-day
e v e n i n g , the 2 9 t h . , a general m e e t i n g of Y e a r l y M e e t i n g Friends w a s called in the
tit-
Meeting H o u s e .
B e s i d e s the contemporary reference to this informal m e e t i n g of the Y e a r l y
M e e t i n g Friends which h a s b e e n q u o t e d a b o v e from Isabella Tyson's d i a r y , we find the
J f
following editorial notice in the Friends' Intelligencer f o r E l e v e n t h M o n t h 1 7 , 1 8 6 0 :
"^It will b e interesting to the readers of the Intelligencer to k n o w that the
m i n d s of m a n y Friends throughout the several Y e a r l y Meetings h a v e b e e n concerned for
the establishment of a B o a r d i n g S c h o o l , l o c a t e d in the c o u n t r y , w h e r e our children a n d
y o u t h m a y receive a thorough, a n d at the same time g u a r d e d , religious education, a n d
where those desirous of following the p r o f e s s i o n of teachers m a y b e c o m e qualified for
a trust of such vital importance.During the w e e k of the late Y e a r l y M e e t i n g h e l d in
B a l t i m o r e , a n evening meeting w a s called of those i n t e r e s t e d , w h i c h w a s largely attended.
T h e subject wa.s freely d i s c u ^ e d , i n its v a r i o u s b e a r i n g s , a n d a lively concern
A
was m a n i f e s t e d by those p r e s e n t .
A f t e r a free interchange of s e n t i m e n t , a Committee
was a p p o i n t e d to prepare a n a d d r e s s to the m e m b e r s of the six Y e a r l y M e e t i n g s , a n d w e
a r e requested to inform that it is the design of some of their members to visit the
cities of P h i l a d e l p h i a a n d N e w Y o r k , a n d to h o l d conferences w i t h such Friends a s are
w i l l i n g to aid in m a t u r i n g a n d carrying into o p e r a t i o n a p l a n that will effect the
o b j e c t . Our testimony to the g u a r d e d religious education a n d the training of the
- T h e sequence o f these m e e t i n g s is confused by E d w a r d P a r r i s h , in h i s ^ E s s a y
& n Education*' (1866,
4 4 ) , a n d b y W i l l i a m P e n n Holcomb in h i s sketch of
Swarthmore "College (1891, fte&e 201 of * k H i s t o r y _ o f H i g h e r Education in P e n n s y l vania*, 1902).
'
"""
X VolumfijW,. P a g o 5 6 8 .
t m
L 7
I youth can hardly h e o v e r - e s t i m a t e d , a n d if we w o u l d save them from the contaminating
influences to w h i c h they are e x p o s e d , in seeking the full development of their ir>tellectual p o w e r s , w e m u s t not longer delay to p r o v i d e the m e a n s requisite to accomplish so desireahle an e n d .
;
^ T h i s "brief notice is simply to call the a t t e n t i o n of F r i e n d s to the s u b j e c t ,
: and p r e p a r e them for its
consideration^
Six m o n t h s after the B a l t i m o r e met
3eting^^fpril 2^r 1 8 6 ^ , a committee of Philadelphia. Friends included, in their report on the p r o p o s e d s c h o o l , the following
n
statement:
/
^ D u r i n g the sittings of B a l t i m o r e Y e a r l y M e e t i n g in 1 0 ^ M o n t h last a number
! of its m e m b e r s m e t in conference to consider the p r o p r i e t y of establishing a. F r i e n d s
Eoarding School where our y o u t h m a y receive a l i b e r a l and guarded education u n d e r
the care of m e m b e r s of the S o c i e t y , - w h e r e teachers can be educated and p r o p e r l y
trained to take charge of schools in F r i e n d s n e i g h b o r h o o d s and w h e r e orphan children
and others whose circumstances require them to b e sent from h o m e m a y b e educated at
a moderate expense.
A f t e r carefully considering the subject in its v a r i o u s bearings
Friends of B a l t i m o r e a p p o i n t e d a committee to p r e p a r e a n a d d r e s s a n d if way opened to
meet their b r e t h r e n in P h i l a d e l p h i a a n d New .York Y e a r l y Meetings in conference."*
T h e committee h a d b e e n chosen a n d the a d d r e s s p r e p a r e d , as we have seen,
before the sessions of B a l t i m o r e Y e a r l y M e e t i n g b e g a n ; but the informal m e e t i n g of
Yearly Meeting Friends on October 29 evidently gave its a p p r o v a l to the a d d r e s s , a n d
to the committee and its m i s s i o n .
, •
^
./
LA
, -t-f \
The address p r e p a r e d b y B e n j a m i n H a l l o w e l l a n d a p p r o v e d "with a few alterations" by the B a l t i m o r e committee on the 1 9 t h . of O c t o b e r , is p r e s e r v e d in Swarthm o r e ' s Library in the original 4 - p a g e m a n u s c r i p t w r i t t e n in ink in its author's characteristically neat a n d legible h a n d .
/% -
The last p a r a g r a p h (Ho. 9 ) is crossed over
F r o m p a g e 32 of the m a n u s c r i p t b o o k of records referred to a b o v e "fT. Afcy )•
in lead-pencil, a n d its omission m a y h a v e b e e n onfe of the a l t e r a t i o n s m a d e by the committee.
n
The address is a s follows:
#A.ppearanc
oula seem to i n d i c a t e , that the want of a n I n s t i t u t i o n , w h e r e such
I
of our y o u t h as m a y n e e d and desire i t , can receive a liberal education, u n d e r the care
and guardianship of Friends; where T e a c h e r s can b e e d u c a t e d , a n d p r o p e r l y p r e p a r e d to
take charge of Schools in F r i e n d s ' neighbourhoods; a n d w h e r e O r p h a n c h i l d r e n , and others
whose circumstances require them to b e sent from home to S c h o o l , can receive a g u a r d e d
education, a t a p o d e r a t e expense; is d e e p , s t r o n g , a n d w i d e - s p r e a d in the Society; a n d
that, w i t h a little effort, the n e c e s s a r y funds can b e obtained for the establishment
of such an I n s t i t u t i o n .
Things seem therefore a p p r o a c h i n g the p o i n t , w h e n a w o r k i n g
plan mnflli be entered u p o n ; a n d , as a D e l e g a t i o n of S u b s c r i b e r s , m e m b e r s of B a l t i m o r e
Yearly M e e t i n g , are about to p r o c e e d to P h i l ^
to a t t e n d a Conference with the Friends
A
of Fhil.y a n d New Y o r k Yearly M e e t i n g s , in regard to the interesting subject, we think
it right to p u t our Delegation in p o s s e s s i o n of some of the p r i n c i p l e s by w h i c h w e a r e
willing to b e g o v e r n e d , as well as to express our v i e w s on some p o i n t s , which are likely to engage the a t t e n t i o n of the contemplated Conference of F r i e n d s .
For the successful a n d h a r m o n i o u s establishment a n d m a n a g e m e n t of such a n
Institution a s is p r o p o s e d , there a r e m a n y requisites thaj/money cannot b u y .
These
must b e contributions from the h e a r t , not the p o c k e t , in a sacrifice of m e r e individual
feeling, or p e r s o n a l p r e f e r e n c e ; so that.while there should b e a full a n d free expression of sentiment on a l l subjects presently, showing w h a t is b e l i e v e d to b e the advantages
-
-This address w a s not p u b l i s h e d in B e n j a m i n H a l l o w e l l ' s "**Autobiography*! 453^1884^ nor
apparently e l s e w h e r e . H i s v i e w s on the education of children from seven to nifie. t e e n , (stressing chiefly the u s e of tools a n d the study of the p h y s i c a l s c i e n c e s ) ,
a n d from nineteen to twenty-one ("to study a p r o f e s s i o n or to p e r f e c t themselves in
the special branch of business in w h i c h they p r o p o s e to e n g a g e " ) are fully a n d interesting Ly developed in his ^ A u t o b i o g r a p h y * , ^ p . 2 3 0 - 2 4 4 (written in 1 8 7 5 ) . H i s
conception of the function a n d curriculum of a n a g r i c u l t u r a l college is stated in
detail in a letter (unpublished^but p r e s e r v e d in Swarthmore's L i b r a r y ) a d d r e s s e d b y
him to A . B o w i e D a v i s , trustee of the M a r y l a n d College of A g r i c u l t u r e , dated Sandy
S p r i n g , M d . , 4 mo 2 2 n d 1 8 5 9 .
totCf
of one plan or s y s t e m , and. the disadvantages of a n o t h e r , a n a o i d i n g desire should h e
maintained, that what is right a n d b e s t , a n d n o t h i n g e l s e , m a y b e done; t h u s , instead of
each one trying how m a n y of his o w n individual views he can get incorporated into the
proposed systen, w e m u s t all t r y , after h a v i n g done all w e can to s e c u r e what we m a y
think b e s t , how m u c h w e can g i v e u p , for the sake of a h a r m o n i o u s a n d u n i t e d a c t i o n ih
the great and important object w e have a t h e a r t .
In o r d e r for a successful m o v e m e n t ^
together, of p e r s o n s from so l a r g e a district as that embraced b y our three Y e a r l y Meetings, w h e r e , no d o u b t , m a n y local customs a n d p r e j u d i c e s e x i s t , this judicious and conciliatory c o u r s e , is i n d i s p e n s a b l e .
There w i l l , in all p r o b a b i l i t y , b e such a diversity
of opinion on m a n y coints that w i l l n e c e s s a r i l y claim the consideration of the Stockholders a n d T r u s t e e s , a n d the different views be entertained b y F r i e n d s who a r e a l i k e
concerned for the W e l f a r e of our S o c i e t y , the p r o s p e r i t y of T r u t h , a n d the p r e s e n t a n d
Eternal interests/of the dear c h i l d r e n , a n d m a n y of these so connected and. intertwined
with what is reaily valuable and p r e c i o u s , a l t h o u g h the things in themselves m a y not be
so, that ,the greatest w i s d o m , a n d p a t i e n c e , a n d f o r b e a r a n c e , w i l l b e n e e d e d , to p r e v e n t a
withdrawal from the C o n c e r n , of one p o r t i o n of* a n o t h e r of Friends —
those who m a y think
the plan too liberal in its p r o v i s i o n s , or those who m a y think it too strict —
thus
presenting the a p p e a r a n c e of a d i v i s i o n a m o n g s t u s , a n d depriving the Institution of the
benefit of the Counsel a n d influence of a p o r t i o n of our m e m b e r s .
N o w , if Friends
cannot p r o c e e d t o g e t h e r , it w o u l d , in our viewjjf, b e better not to m o v e in the concern
at a l l , at p r e s e n t ; f o r it is in no way d e s i r a b l e , p a r t i c u l a r l y at this t i m e , t o h a v e
an Educational establishment which is a n exponent of a f r a c t i o n of our b e l o v e d S o c i e t y .
* B u t this result n e e d not take p l a c e , if D i v i n e light a n d g u i d a n c e a r e continually sought f o r , in a l l importmt m o v e m e n t s ^ w i t h true h u m i l i t y , f a i t h a n d p a t i e n c e , &
with an abiding desire to m o v e together in u n i t y a n d r e m e m b e r i n g , that *he that b e l i e v e t h ,
maketh not h a s t e . '
* l n all subjects p r e s e n t e d f o r c o n s i d e r a t i o n , it w i l l ^ u i r e a Steady care to
to look to the root of the m a t t e r ; f o r , it is u p o n the p r i n c i p l e s of E t e r n a l right a n d
Truth, and these a l o n e , that a f o u n d a t i o n that w i l l "be e n d u r i n g , can be l a i d for accom-
plishing our interesting c o n c e r n .
The continual effort m u s t h e , to impart T r u t h , a n d
not 'teach for doctrines the commandments of M e n . '
To take as an illustration of our M e a n i n g , the subject of p l a i n n e s s , which
will rightly claim important consideration in establishing regulations for a Friends
School.
It will be f o u n d that it was the Spirit of T r u t h that l e d G e o r g e F o x , a n d other
worthies in the origin of oxir S o c i e t y , into p l a i n n e s s ; but p l a i n n e s s h a s , in itself, no
tendency to lead to the Spirit of T r u t h .
cause.
If of any v a l u e , p l a i n n e s ^ is a result, not a
It embraces s i m p l i c i t y , e c o n o m y , u t i l i t y , p r o p r i e t y , a n d c o n v e n i e n c e , and is con-
sequently opposed to o s t e n t a t i o n , e x t r a v a g a n c e , u n f i t n e s s , a n d superfluity of any k i n d ;
and it is a p r i n c i p l e , into w h i c h T r u t h n e c e s s a r i l y leads its f o l l o w e r s .
But a form of
p l a i n n e s s , is c o n v e n t i o n a l , a n d it m a y degenerate into a n u n i f o r m ih w h i c h no p r i n c i p l e
is i n v o l v e d , a n d become a n I d o l , for w h i c h great sacrifices are m a d e a n d e x a c t e d , a n d
w h i c h , like a l l other idols, draws the m i n d a w a y from the true object of its affections?,
sacrifices^and w o r s h i p .
•^While p l a i n n e s s is a n
u n w a v e r i n g p r i n c i p l e , the form of p l a i n n e s s m a y d i f f e r
widely w i t h the a g e , p l a c e ^ a n d p e o p l e a n d surrounding c i r c u m s t a n c e s .
T h e p l a i n n e s s of
our early Friends,-»rith their large coat c u f f s , 'small clothes', silver k n e e b u c k l e s a n d
large Silver S h o e b u c k l e s , p o w d e r e d w i g s , and three cornered h a t s , w o u l d h a r d l y be regarded such at this present d a y .
T h e g r e a t object t h e n , on this s u b j e c t , snould b e , to h a v e
the children of the I n s t i t u t i o n ' s p r e v i o u s l y i n t i m a t e d , to conform to s i m p l i c i t y ,
economy, u t i l i t y , p r o p r i e t y , & c o n v e n i e n c e , a n d to a v o i d o s t e n t a t i o n , e x t r a v a g a n c e ,
u n f i t n e s s ^ a n d superfluity of a n y k i n d , the reasonableness of a l l w h i c h can readily be
brought to have the sanction of their u n d e r s t a n d i n g s , a n d it w i l l then receive their
cheerful
compliance.
4*-In all reformatory,religious c o n c e r n s ^ or u n d e r t a k i n g s , a n d such w e regard the
present one to b e , the commencement is the p e r i o d of greatest h a r m o n y a n d p u r i t y ; bec a u s e , the w a n t is then felt to b e so g r e a t , a s to induce a willingness to m a k e gftitconcessions a n d sacrifices in order to a t t a i n the desired o b j e c t .
H e n c e , if there
cannot b e u n i t y in the b e g i n n i n g , there n e e d be little hope for it a f t e r w a r d s .
In a l l questions in regard to the Discipline^course of S t u d y , a n d a l l the
School a r r a n g e m e n t s , i n t e r n a l , a n d e x t e r n a l , every Subscriber should b e entitled to
one v o t e .
But in questions involving a n outlay of m o n e y , oj* a financial expenditure
of any kind,*ffiere should b e what is called a Stock v o t e , liberally graded; a s , for in-
stance, one share to h a v e one vote , two shares two v o t e s ; 4 shares o r 1 0 0 d o l s . subscription, 3 votesj a n d then one a d d i t i o n a l v o t e for every 100 d o l s . in the amount of
subscription a b o v e t h i s .
•0tyotes to be giv en in p e r s o n , or by p r o x y , a n d a m a j o r i t y of the v o t e s cast to
elect or d e c i d e .
#3.
We think 60,000 dols w o u l d b e a sufficient sum for our p r e s e n t p u r p o s e , and
that theji^ssociation should organize w h e n 30,000 dols are reliably s u b s c r i b e d .
Also,
that besides the m e m b e r s of the three Y e a r l y M e e t i n g s now engaged in the c o n c e r n , the
members of any other Yearly M e e t i n g who subscribe the sum of 5,000 dollars or u p w a r d s ,
should be p e r m i t t e d to elect 6 trustees or m a n a g e r s of each S e x .
W i t h these slight mod-
ifications, all the v i e w s contained in the 'Address' p u b l i s h e d ^ b y Committees of M e m b e r s
of the three Yearly Meetings in the w i n t e r of 1 8 6 0 - 61 have o u Y * u n i t e d approbation a n d
TV
section; a n d these exceptions we are w i l l i n g to w a i v e , if our F r i e n d s think differently
from u s .
^4.
I s it is desirable that the e x p e r i e n c e , c o u n s e l , a n d special interest a n d
influence in the working operation of the E s t a b l i s h m e n t , should be as w i d e l y diffused
as p r a c t i c a b l e ^ ^ ? m a n a n d h i s wife should not b e b o t h eligible a t the same e l e c t i o n ,
as Trustees or Managers of the I n s t i t u t i o n .
No Establishment that ha.s a l r e a d y b e e n occupied a s a S c h o o l , whatever inducements the purchase of it m a y a p p e a r to o f f e r , should b e considered as among the
places from which the selection of a location is to be m a d e , at least w i t h the v i e w of
u s i n g the same buildings a g a i n for School p u r p o s e s .
F o r , in such a p u r c h a s e , many things
and apartments would be o b t a i n e d , which w o u l d not only be of no u s e for our p u r p o s e , b u t
which w o u l d p r o v e m a t e r i a l l y in the w a y of procuring what was r e a l l y n e e d f u l .
^6.
The l o c a t i o n should not h e where there a r e v e r y f r e q u e n t , e a s y , and cheap
facilities^for getting to a n d from the I n s t i t u t i o n , especially a s it respects large
towns & c i t i e s .
F o r reasons that could be s t a t e d , the welfare^if not the entire suc-
cess of the I n s t i t u t i o n , greatly depends u p o n the o b s e r v a n c e of this p o i n t .
It is
desired, that the E s t a b l i s h m e n t , in its internal a n d domestic a r r a n g e m e n t , should b e a
family: a n d the special impress of its family influence a n d d i s c i p l i n e , and^home feeling
of the children thereby induced, are r e g a r d e d a s a m o n g the greatest of the m a n y benefits contemplated by the I n s t i t u t i o n .
How a n y one who h a s a f a m i l y , can judge, what
would b e the effect U p o n family influence a n d d i s c i p l i n e w h e n some of the children a r e
most of the time a b r o a d , a n d p r o m i s c u o u s guests are m u c h of the time on a v i s i t to the
family^as w o u l d be the case if the Institution w e r e located near a large C i t y , w i t h
facilities for visiting weass. frequent a n d c h e a p .
<^7.
A s a f f o r d i n g the m o s t convenient a c c e s s to all Six of our Y e a r l y M e e t i n g s ,
ft
a location at a suitable distance from some station on the P h i l
road, w o u l d a p p e a r to u s
^8.
and Harrisburg Rail-
amiable.
Jijfarm of not less than 100 a c r e s , should be connected w i t h the I n s t i t u t i o n .
By a little tact on the p a r t of those to w h o m shall b e entrusted the m a n a g e m e n t a n d
guardianship of the y o u t h , the operations u p o n the F a r m , the m a n u f a c t u r e of farming imv-c.
plementsXiS. ot&> m a y be m a d e a m o s t important a n d h e a l t h f u l p a r t of their r e c r e a t i o n ,
and a rational & u s e f u l employment of their w a s t e e n e r g i e s , a f f o r d i n g all n e c e s s a r y
physical e x e r c i s e , w i t h equal a n a p e r h a p s superior b e n e f i t to the h e a l t h of the m i n d ,
and the corporeal s y s t e m s , to that p r o d u c e d by the o r d i n a r y Gymnastic g a m e s .
^9.
If any Subscriber should object to p a y i n g his s u b s c r i p t i o n , on the g r o u n d
that the course b e i n g p u r s u e d is not what h e had. s u p p o s e d , o r w a s l e d to u n d e r s t a n d ,
when he subscribed, the p a y m e n t of his subscription should not b e insisted u p o n .
^
T h e foregoing v i e w s , a n d p o i n t s of p r a c t i c e , h a v e the sanction of our deliber-
ate and u n i t e d judgment; b u t , a f t e r thus submitting them to the consideration of the
s m f y
Conference, we are p r e p a r e d to c o - o p e r a t e , e a r n e s t l y , and i n g o o d f a i t h , in w h a t e v e r
Course shall be thought most likely to h a r m o n i z e all views a n d i n t e r e s t s , a n d to secure
the important object w e all h a v e so w a r m l y at heart."* ,
QJrJuJujUX^^
M o ^ f e w V
• M*^tL1
S
B e a r i n g this address as the b a s i s of their discussion with the Friends of P h i l adelphia a n d N e w Y o r k , the B a l t i m o r e c o m m i t t e e 6f five entered u p o n their adventurous
ana difficult t a s k .
Samuel M . J a n n e y did not a c c o m p a n y h i s fellow-inembers of the com-
m i t t e e , a l t h o u g h he went to P h i l a d e l p h i a , he relates in his Memoirs',? "in the spring of
the y e a r 1861 to superintend the stereotyping a n d p r i n t i n g of the second v o l u m e of m y
History of Friends"^ a n d h e doubtless did what he could while there to further the committee's c o n c e r n .
It is not k n o w n whether or n o t v R i c h a r d T u r n e r a n d - J o h n P a r r i s h accom-
panied the committee; but it is definitely k n o w n that B e n j a m i n a n d Margaret H a l l o w e l l ^
sb*. N a t h a n a n d Martha Tyson^made the j o u r n e y .
A letter from M a r g a r e t H a l l o w e l l , da,ted
n<
"Moorestown 12 m o 2 ^ £ l 8 6 o j " , speaks of "a h a r d cold" w h i c h she h a d taken in P h i l a d e l J
p h i a , a n d gives the following d e t a i l s of the committee's p r o g r e s s in that city;
20
5*1 suppose thee h a s h e a r d of the concern g o t t e n u p at Y e a r l y m e e t i n g to establish a friends school^ there w a s a committee a p p o i n t e d to p r e p a r e a n a d d r e s s to friends
th
on the subject, this committee m e t in B a l t i m o r e on the evening of the 19
* the a d d r e s s
was a p p r o v e d , and the committee d i r e c t e d to f o r w a r d it to a m e e t i n g of friends called to
meet in P h i l a on fc^ 4 t h day evening lastj
w e a t t e n d e d as did a l s o N . a n d M . E . T y s o n
there was quite a large a n d interesting meeting- - the address w a s h i g h l y a p p r o v e d , a n d a
committee appointed to join ours to p r e s e n t it to N e w Y o r k friends; if they approve of
it, it is to be p r i n t e d a n d circulated a m o n g friends generally - there is quite a confident hope felt by m a n y that by the u n i o n of the three Yearly m e e t i n g s they will b e
1
able to establish a school calculated to m e e t the w a n t s of society? '
The Friends' Intelligencer forVElaventh-tfe-, 2 4 , 1 8 6 0 , contained the following
%
I
h
editorial
. - Third note;
e d i t i o "The
n , P h iCommittee
l a d e l p h i a of
, 1 F8r8i2e,n dP s. from
1 8 8 . B a l t i m o r e on the subject of establishing
- A copy of this l e t t e r , addressed to M a r y B . B r o o k e , of Sandy S p r i n g , M a r y l a n d , w a s
given to Swarthmore's Library b y M a r y M a g r u d e r , of Sandy S p r i n g .
- V o l u m s ^ W ^ p. 5 8 4 .
&&
7/A
a Boarding School, a l l u d e d to in our last n u m b e r , expect to h o l d a m e e t i n g o n F o u r t h
day evening (the 28th inst,) at R a c e Street M e e t i n g - h o u s e , a t h a l f p a s t seven o ' c l o c k ,
to which Friends interested in the object are invited."
T h e Intiligencer of the n e x t
week m a d e no reference to the m e e t i n g thus a n n o u n c e d ; h u t in its issue of Twelfth M o .
8, 1 8 6 0 , a p p e a r e d the following editorial notice:
^ A c c o r d i n g to the notice in the 3 7 t h number of the I n t e l l i g e n c e r , a Conference
was h e l d in R a c e street M e e t i n g H o u s e , with Friends of B a l t i m o r e , on the subject of Education, a n d the establishment of a B o a r d i n g S c h o o l , w h e r e our y o u t h of both sexes can
be instructed u n d e r the care of the S o c i e t y , a n d qualified for t e a c h e r s .
A t this m e e t i n g ,
a committee w a s appointed to u n i t e with Friends from B a l t i m o r e , in a like Conference
with Friends of New Y o r k , a n d we a.re requested to state that they h a v e appointed a meeting to b e held in that city, at T w e n t y - s e v e n t h street M e e t i n g H o u s e , on Second day
evening, 10th I n s t . , at 7 o'clock.**
2i
T h e m a n u s c r i p t b o o k of records referred to a b o v e ,
gives the following m i n u t e s
of the conference held in P h i l a d e l p h i a on the evening of N o v e m b e r 2 8 , a n d cf the committeeneeting h e l d the next morning:
•^Proceedings in
Philadelphia
* A t a Conference of F r i e n d s of P h i l a d e l p h i a a n d its n e i g h b o r h o o d h e l d at R a c e
Street M e e t i n g House o n Fourth day E v e n i n g E l e v e n t h M o n t h 28th 1 8 6 0 ^
Committee a p p o i n t e d at a Conference of F r i e n d s in B a l t i m o r e a t t e n d e d a n d
presented a n address on the subject of E d u c a t i o n a c c o m p a n i e d by some explanatory r e m a r k s .
<^The necessity of an A s s o c i a t i o n for the p u r c h a s e of a F a r m , the erection of
suitable buildings to accommodate a B o a r d i n g School for the education of our Youth of
both sexes and for p r e p a r i n g t e a c h e r s , w a s impressively p r e s e n t e d b y several F r i e n d s .
^ T h e subject was freely discussed a n d the g e n e r a l features of the address w e r e
approved, the following Committee w a s a p p o i n t e d to u n i t e w i t h Friends of Baltimore a n d
. - Volume
616.
Volume 1 7 . P P . 632
4,
other Yearly Meetings in the further consideration of the p r o p o s e d p l a n a s way m a y
open and report to a future m e e t i n g .
E d w a r d Parrish Nathaniel Richardson
D P a r r i s h Jane J o h n s o n H e l e n G . Long-
streth S . E m l e n Sharp1es^Rachel T . J a c k s o n ^ s r a e l J Grahame^Susan M Parrish^ Dillwyn
Parrish,Hannah Lippincott^ B e n j a m i n P r i c e ^ J o h n W i l s o n M o o r e Mary S L i p p i n c o t t John D
Griscom L e t i t i a W A l l e n M c P h e r s o n Saunders H a r r i e t E SSockly T h o m a s R i d g w a y A n n A
Townsend W i l l i a m D o r s e y 0 . H o w a r d W i l s o n E d i t h W A t l e e George T r u m a n R a c h e l W Moore
A n n e Shoemaker Mary R H u s b a n d H u g h Foulke J r
L y d i a Gillingham J a m e s Mott S a m
1
Parry
/
Lucretia M o t t W
111
Hawkins Joseph C Grubb.
^ T h e n adjourned.
(Signed)
Dillwyn Parrish
•'<-•••
C l e r k for the E v e n i n g ^ "
•
Mo 2 9
t h
1860
*
*
*
*
The Committee a p p o i n t e d to confer w i t h P r i e n d s from
Baltimore ha.ving a g r e e d to m e e t at half p a s t 8 o ' c l o c k this m o r n i n g now convened 2 4
members p r e s e n t ^
^ A f t e r a general d i s c u s s i o n on the p l a n submitted in the address it was concluded to appoint a sub-committee to aid F r i e n d s of B a l t i m o r e and. if needful to accompany them to New Y o r k to p r e s e n t to Friends there the address which h a s b e e n read a n d
approved by the conference in this city
^ T h e following F r i e n d ^ J w ^ a p p o i n t e d to this service
Samuel P a r r y
^fbjrV.l—Shnji\ R i d g w a y
0 . Howard Wilson
Rachel T Jackson
M a r y S Lippincott
Susanna M Parrish
Dillwyn Parrish
Ann^JJ A T o w n s e n d
Edward Parrish
Helen G Longstreth
^Then Adjourned.
(Signed)
Dillwyti P a r r i s h
C l e r k for the time.*^
* * *
7 6
It will h e o b s e r v e d that the first p e r s o n a p p o i n t e d on the Philadelphia,
committee,
November 2 8 , 1 8 6 0 , w a s E d w a r d P a r r i s h .
This Quaker educator a n d scholar
was to b e c o m e the first p r e s i d e n t of S w a r t h m o r e C o l l e g e , a n d it is interesting to find
him thus early in the forefront of j ^ T pPhhii:l a d e l p h i a f o u n d e r s .
H e w a s the seventh son
of D r . J o s e p h P a r r i s h , a n eminent p h y s i c i a n , a n d at this time w a s thirty-eight years of
age.
E n t e r i n g h i s b r o t h e r Dillwyn's drug-store at the a g e of s i x t e e n , he studied at
the College of P h a r m a c y in P h i l a d e l p h i a , took his degree there four years l a t e r , opened
a school pf pharmacy in semi-official connection w i t h the U n i v e r s i t y of P e n n s y l v a n i a
in 1 8 4 9 , a n d in 1864 b e c a m e a p r o f e s s o r in his alma m a t e r .
Edward. P a r r i s h m a y have b e e n the author of the review of Herbert Spencer's
a-u<*"«!*
ition*, w h i c h appeared, in the P r i e n d s ' I n t e l l i g e n c e r for D e c e m b e r 1 5 , 1860;
and
1
p—
jLe F r i e n d s Intelligencer for December 2 2 , 1 8 6 0 , he contributed the following b r i e f
article on "The New B o a r d i n g School;"
•^The ancient custom of F r i e n d s to recognize,in a Society c a p a c i t y , only those
projects which a r e founded on a religious c o n c e r n , h a s its origin in p h i l o s o p h y , no
less than in faith and e x p e r i e n c e .
U n d e r the influence of this k i n d of f e e l i n g , m e n
are qualified to irnpart to others that u n s e l f i s h interest a n d zeal w h i c h leads d i r e c t l y
to the highest r e s u l t s .
tyA concern has long; dwelt in m a r y m i n d s for the establishment of a school u n d e r
the eare of the Society a t l a r g e , a d a p t e d to the training in the h i g h e r branches of
science a n d l i t e r a t u r e , the h u n d r e d s of yo n g F r i e n d s who are a n n u a l l y reaching the a g e
to enter o n such studied; it lias l a t e l y , a,s m o s t readers of the Intelligencer are a w a r e ,
so far ripened in B a l t i m o r e , a s to l e a d to m e e t i n g s , first in that city, a n d then in
P h i l a d e l p h i a and New Y o r k , d e s i g n e d to a w o k e n throughout the S o c i e t y , this latent a n d
general f e e l i n g .
Few who h a v e enjoyed the p r i v i l e g e of being p r e s e n t at the meetings
JEni
*
f- - V o l . \ « / l k p . 632
. 646
j
IX
-w-r.
}
m
J J
alluded to have failed to a p p r e c i a t e the force of the religious concern which is the
mainspring of the m o v e m e n t , a n d n o n e , I t h i n k , who a p p r e c i a t e t h i s , can want confidence
in its u l t i m a t e s u c c e s s .
The only obstacle w h i c h at present seems likely to stand in
the ray of the oroject is the idea that such a school will "be a. m e a n s of promoting sectarianism, in some objectionable sense of the t e r m .
That its effect w o u l d b e to imbue
the younger p a r t of the Society with increased interest in those p e c u l i a r i t i e s of faith
and p r a c t i c e w h i c h , for two c e n t u r i e s , h a v e d i s t i n g u i s h e d Friends a m o n g Christian professors, must be evident
the concern could h a r d l y h a v e originated on a n y other ground;
and to a n y pa.rents who m a y not b e in u n i s o n w i t h the Society in its fundamental prinrciples a n d testimonies, as laid down in its D i s c i p l i n e , the school could h a r d l y l o o k for
support.
/^The real question then is —
H o w far is this concern for the m o r e thorough a n d
yet guarded education of our children a general one?
If the efforts n o w m a k i n g to ob-
tain a solution of this question result in a f a v o r a b l e r e s p o n s e , a g r e a t step will be
g a i n e d , a n d we m a y look for a speedy a c c o m p l i s h m e n t of the end in v i e w .
P H e can hardly over-estimate the a d v a n t a g e s that w o u l d follow to our Society
from the m o r e general diffusion of solid e d u c a t i o n , among its y o u n g e r m e m b e r s ; these
would thus acquire a m o r e intelligent a o o r e c i B t i o n of its p r i n c i p l e s , and a m e n t a l discipline which w o u l d fortify thern a g a i n s t soecious f a l l a c i e s , w h i l e their sphere of usefulness a n d influence in the w o r l d , w o u l d increase w i t h the enlargement of their knowledge, and the imorovement of their f a c u l t i e s . ^
tF
Six y e a r s l a t e r , in nis E_ssay o n E d u c a t i o n in the Society of F r i e n d ^ * ,
.
Edward
Parrish made a b r i e f reference to the m e e t i n g s h e l d in B a l t i m o r e , P h i l a d e l p h i a a n d N e w
York, closing his a c c o u n t w i t h the following comment: "It is yet too soon to write the
history of this most important m o v e m e n t , but if the m e a s u r e s then inaugurated should b e
crowned with the promised success, the names of those who were thus foremost in- it will
go down to p o s t e r i t y as w o r t h y of double honor."
4 —
P h i l a d e l p h i a , 1 3 6 6 , pp.
44 —
Ijx'^
[ p r o c e e d i n g s in
N e w YorK*> t
"
1
f
* A t a M e e t i n g of F r i e n d s h e l d at the M e e t i n g Hotxse on 2 7 ^ Street N e w Y o r k
'welfth M o n t h 1 0 ^ 1860 in reference to the subject of establishing a. B o a r d i n g School for
h e more liberal education of Friends C h i l d r e n , - several m e m b e r s of the Committees w h i c h
lad b e e n appointed in B a l t i m o r e and P h i l a d e l p h i a were p r e s e n t .
They p r e s e n t e d a n A d d r e s s
rhich had b e e n p r e p a r e d in regard to it, w h i c h w a s fully u n i t e d w i t h b y the M e e t i n g .
•J^The following' Friends were a p p o i n t e d a Committee to confer w i t h Committees
il ready a p p o i n t e d ih B a l t i m o r e & P h i l a d e l p h i a , to give the necessary a t t e n t i o n to the
;ubject v i z .
Jonathan T h o m e
Thorns Foulke
William H Macy
Geo T T r i m b l e
E d w a r d Merritt
Ellwood Walter
G i d e o n Frost
Bob t H o y dock
Samuel '.Villetts
Sarah H a g a n
Jacob Capron
Hannah W Hoydock
A n n S Dudley
Eachel Hicks
Deborah M F i e l d
Caroline H Seaman
J a n e Rubsell
S a r a h H Willets
£ T h e n a d j o u r n e d to meet at the call of the Committee
(Signed)
Edward Merritt
Clerk
*%iirdfl!foining f 1 2
t h
Mo 1 1
t h
i860
*
Jr
jfUhe joint Committee of Friends of Hew Y o r k B a l t i m o r e a n d Fhila^raet at
.lester Street Meeting H o u s e at 9 o * c l o c k A . M .
^ P r sent from 17 Y o r k n e a r l y a l l the Committee
"
"
Baltimore
B e n j Hallowell
t
I,Iarg
Hallowell
ITatlian Tyson
|
Martha E Tyson
\
R e b e c c a Turner
^ P r e s e n t from P h i l a
James M o t t
Thos R i d g w a y
W m Griscorn
David J G r i s c o m
Dillwyn Parrish
Susanna M P a r r i s h
Helen G Longstreth.
^ T h e p l a n p r o p o s e d in the address last E v e n i n g w a s again read and d i s c u s s e d .
After some modifications it was a d o p t e d .
The a d d r e s s w i t h a subscription p a p e r to accom-
pany it, were directed to be p u b l i s h e d u n d e r the d i r e c t i o n of Friends i n P h i l a d e l p h i a
* I t was agreed that 1500 copies be f o r w a r d e d to Samuel W i l l e t s for the u s e
of Friends in Hew Y o r k , and 1000 to G e r a r d H R e e s e for the u s e of F r i e n d s in B a l t i m o r e ,
and 1500 to b e retained for the u s e of Friends in Phila.deloh.ia
* I t was directed that the Clerk of this Committee b e requested to call them
together when the business of the A s s o c i a t i o n shall require i t .
#Then Adjourned
$Signed4f
Dillwyn p a r r i s h
C l e r k of joint Committee for the day."^
The only other contemporary account of these H e w Y o r k m e e t i n g s , besides their
Dfficial m i n u t e s , comes to u s from the F r i e n d s ' I n t e l l i g e n c e r , w h i c h contains an editorial
£
notice in the issue for Twelfth M o . 8 , 1 8 6 0 , that at the R a c e Street m e e t i n g on Eleventh
28 , "a committee was a p p o i n t e d to unite w i t h F r i e n d s from B a l t i m o r e , in a like Conference with Friends of Hew Y o r k , a n d we are requested to state that they have a p p o i n t e d a,
neeting to be held in that c i t y , a t T w e n t y - s e v e n t h street M e e t i n g H o u s e , o n Second day
svening, 10th inst., at 7 o'clock."
v !
In its issue of T w e l f t h M o . 2 2 , 1 3 6 0 , the Intelligencer contains the following
sditorial notice of the N e w Y o r k m e e t i n g h e l d on the
^FP.IEKDS' BOARD I ¥0- SCHOOL.-
P u r s u a n t to their appointment as m e n t i o n e d
n the 39th number of the I n t e l l i g e n c e r , a p o r t i o n of the committee from Baltimore a n d
•hiladelphia, m e t in conference w i t h F r i e n d s ' of N e w Y o r k at 27th street meeting h o u s e ,
,t the time a.p ointed for the p u r p o s e .
The evening w a s v e r y i n c l e m e n t , notwithstanding
•hich, a considerable number of F r i e n d s , b o t h m e n a n d women w e r e in a t t e n d a n c e .
The
general features of the address and p r o p o s e d p l a n w e r e fully a p p r o v e d , a n d a committee
'as appointed to u n i t e w i t h the delegations from B a l t i m o r e a n d P h i l a d e l p h i a , in pub.ishing a n d distributing this d o c u m e n t , with a subscription list a p p e n d e d .
&
There appears to be but one v i e w a s to the want of such a n institution as
.t is now p r o p o s e d to establish, and we shall endeavor to k e e p our readers informed of
;he progress of this interesting c o n c e r n . " ^
.
*
Thus i^t was that devoted Friends of B a l t i m o r e , P h i l a d e l p h i a a n d H e w Y o r k
.'early M e e t i n g s laid the foundation-stones of the educational institution which during
she next d e c a d e , w a s to take the form of Swarthmore C o l l e g e .
When the Tysons a n d
Inllowells went u o o n their mission to P h i l a d e l p h i a a n d N e w Y o r k , the clouds of an
JUJL
idverse destiny were^hanging low a n d m e n a c i n g on the h o r i z o n of the A m e r i c a n R e p u b l i c .
)n November S , the election of A b r a h a m L i n c o l n a n d the confinement of h u m a n slavery
;o the Southern StatesYwws- determined.; on N o v e m b e r 1 2 , South Carolina's
legislature
jailed a convention for the p u r p o s e of seceding from the Unionj o n D e c e m b e r 6 that
convention was chosen, a n d two weeks later it p a s s e d a n ordinance of s e c e s s i o n . D u r i n g
I^h
she winter m o n t h s b e f o r e Lincoln's inauguration o n M a r c h 4 \ s i x m o r e of the Southern
States seceded a n d the Southern Confederacy was formed; d u r i n g those m o n t h s , a l s o , the
Irrepressible conflict of arms drew daily n e a r e r .
Edward P a r r i s h , referring six years later to the A d d r e s s w h i c h was a d o p t e d
by the m e e t i n g s in B a l t i m o r e , P h i l a d e l p h i a , a n d N e w Y o r k , says of it a n d of the times
in which it w a s sent forth:J^The p r i n t i n g a n d d i s t r i b u t i o n of this address was so soon
followed by those startling events w h i c h shook the nation to its c e n t e r a n d h a v e but
recently c u l m i n a t e d , that the efforts toward enlisting the great b o d y of F r i e n d s , on
behalf of this u n d e r t a k i n g , m a y be said to have b e e n inaugurated d u r i n g the m o s t
anxious time of the great
rebellion.
^ W h e n m a n y citizens d o u b t e d if they or their posterity would a g p i n enjoy
the blessings of free government - w h e n m e n of w e a l t h h e l d their p o s s e s s i o n s b y so feeble
a tenure that soon they m i g h t not command enough of this w o r l d ' s goods to feed a n d
clothe their families - when p a r e n t s , not a f e w , t r e m b l e d lest their s o n s , swept into
the current that carried so m a i y thousands to u n t i m e l y g r a v e s , would n e v e r return to
comfort their declining years - w h e n d a r k n e s s , d i s c o u r a g e m e n t , a n d u n c e r t a i n t y hung
over everything in the f u t u r e , it s e e m e d , to s o m e , out of p l a c e to be p l a n n i n g great
improvements or seeking to found b e n e f i c e n t
institutions.^
THB
BUILDINQ
—SWAIITID^QIUD—COLLEGE
T h e A d d r e s s of Some m e m b e r s of the Society of F r i e n d s to their F e l l o w M e m b e r s
on the S u b j e c t of E d u c a t i o n , a n d on the E s t a b l i s h m e n t of a B o a r d i n g School for F r i e n d s '
Children, a n d f o r the E d u c a t i o n of T e a c h e r s " , w h i c h V t h e m e e t i n g s in B a l t i m o r e , P h i l a d e l phia a n d H e w Y o r k in O c t o b e r , N o v e m b e r a n d D e c e m b e r , 1 8 6 0 , h a d a d o p t e d a n d ordered to b e
distributed through the respective c o m m u n i t i e s ,
w a s v e r y similar to the B e n o r t of the
A
**
Baltimore Yearu/Meeting's Committee o n E d u c a t i o n in 1 8 5 4 .
*
30It repeated also the B a l t i m o r e A d d r e s s of 1 8 5 3 , w i t h the a d d i t i o n a l p a r a g r a p h ,
"and it is to secure teachers c a p a b l e , u n d e r the d i v i n e b l e s s i n g , o f imparting to o u r
precious children influences like t h e s e , in o u r d i f f e r e n t country n e i g h b o r h o o d s , w h i l e
they a r e a c q u i r i n g the useful b r a n c h e s of school l e a r n i n g , that renders the k i n d of
school w e a r e a d v o c a t i n g so v e r y desirable."
.
.
To the course of study proposed\^i> 1 8 6 0 w a s addedj^ "Agricultural C h e m i s t r y , a n d
to some extent the a r t s of A g r i c u l t u r e a n d H o r t i c u l t u r e .
F r i e n d s ' children s h o u l d b e
m a d e a c q u a i n t e d w i t h - - - - h o w to b u d a t r e e , to train a n d trim grape-vines a n d f l o w e r s ,
a n d thus occupy their leisure time and w a s t e e n e r g i e s , i n a h e a l t h y , r a t i o n a l , a n d
u s e f u l employment."
This a d d i t i o n w a s doubtless m a d e b y B e n j a m i n H a l l o w e l l , a n d it p r o -
b a b l y served to a t t r a c t the sympathy of (Quaker f a r m e r s ^
^ T h e 1 8 6 0 A d d r e s s remarked that "this w o u l d b e o n e m e a n s of supplying
innocent recreation a n d a m u s e m e n t " ; a n d it a d d s : "It is d e s i r a b l e , t o o , that such of the
girls as do not a l r e a d y k n o w h o w , should b e instructed in the b e s t w a y to m a k e b r e a d ,
b u t t e r , c a k e , a n d every k i n d of p l a i n cooking a n d h o u s e h o l d e m p l o y m e n t .
d -
U n d e r judicious
It w a s p r i n t e d in a 16-page p a m p h l e t (with p a p e r c o v e r ) b y "Merrihew & T h o m p s o n ,
P r i n t e r s , Lodge s t r e e t , n o r t h side of P e n n s y l v a n i a B a n k " , P h i l a d e l p h i a , 1 8 6 1 .
91- 'taD^Trfgn,
.
?
cheerful a n d concerned direction a n d t r a i n i n g , this c o u l d b e m a d e "by t u r n s , a m o n g s t the
girls an important a n d u s e f u l p a r t of their recreation a n d amusement."
T h e specific p r o v i s i o n s of "the Plan" of 1 8 5 4 w e r e changed in several important
p a r t i c u l a r s ^ in t h e ^ l a n of 1 8 6 0 .
U n d e r f i n a n c e s , the estimated sum d e s i r e d was in^
creased from $ 5 0 , 0 0 0 . to $ 1 5 0 , 0 0 0 .
for,
Shares o f stock of $25 each w e r e to "be subscribed
the stock-holders to elect a n n u a l l y the "Trustees or M a n a g e r s " , six of each sex
from each of the three Y e a r l y M e e t i n g s or from "any other Yearly M e e t i n g w h o s e m e m b e r s
shall subscribe the sum of ten thousand dollars or upwards."
A s soon as practicable
after "seventy-five thousand d o l l a r s is reliably s u b s c r i b e d " , the f i r s t election w ^ s to
be h e l d .
T h e l o c a t i o n w a s left to the T r u s t e e s o r M a n a g e r s to d e c i d e , b u t a p r e f e r e n c e
was expressed f o r " a rural d i s t r i c t , a n d w i t h a farm attached."
buildings w a s entirely c h a n g e d .
T h e p l a n of 1854 f o r
Instead of s e p a r a t i n g the one h u n d r e d b o y s a n d one hun-
dred girls in b u i l d i n g s from a h a l f - m i l e to a m i l e a p a r t , it w a s now p r o p o s e d "to erect
a centre b u i l d i n g , a n d two w i n g s , one to a c c o m m o d a t e a b o u t one h u n d r e d b o y s , a n d the other
about one h u n d r e d g i r l s .
The S u p e r i n t e n d e n t ' s f a m i l y , l i b r a r y , m e e t i n g r o o m , a n d some
of the recitation r o o m s , to b e in the centre b u i l d i n g ; a n d also the dining rooms f o r the
children."
T h e *f)lari*"of 1860 r e p e a t s that of 1854 in p r o v i d i n g that p r e f e r e n c e in admission was to b e given to F r i e n d s ' children (others to b e a d m i t t e d if possible)^
in
p r e s c r i b i n g rules for all the scholars^ a n d in a r r a n g i n g f o r the t r a i n i n g of teachers f o r
Friends' s c h o o l s .
3J. -
B o t h p l a n s p r o v i d e that " a p a r t o f the e d u c a t i o n of T e a c h e r s , should
The express p r o v i s i o n was i n c l u d e d that "the m o n e y subscribed a n d p a i d , is to b e
considered a c o n t r i b u t i o n , inasmuch as n o d i v i d e n d , o r return therefrom in a n y w a y
other than from the g e n e r a l b e n e f i t s of the institution,is c o n t e m p l a t e d o r to b e
expe cted.'/
3 fr- W i t h the o m i s s i o n of rooms f o r the S u p e r i n t e n d e n t ' s f a m i l y , this p l a n w a s c a r r i e d out
in the first b u i l d i n g ^ P a r r i s h H a l l " .
-
-
m -
embrace the b e s t m o d e s of c o n d u c t i n g a n d g o v e r n i n g s c h o o l s , a n d the p r a c t i c a l exercise
of hearing the recitation o f classes in p r e s e n c e of a n experienced T e a c h e r , in order to
prepare them a s far a s p o s s i b l e f o r their subsequent duties."'*
The A d d r e s s was signed b y twenty-nine m e m b e r s (17 m e n a n d 12 w o m e n ) of B a l t i m o r e
Yearly M e e t i n g , thirty m e m b e r s (16 m e n a n d 14 w o m e n ) of P h i l a d e l p h i a Y e a r l y M e e t i n g , a n d
eighteen m e m b e r s (10 m e n a n d 8 w o m e n ) of N e w Y o r k Y e a r l y M e e t i n g .
T h e names of N a t h a n
and M a r t h a E . T y s o n h e a d the l i s t , a n d w e find those a l s o of B e n j a m i n a n d Margaret E .
H a l l o w e l l , Samuel M . J a n n e y , J a m e s a n d L u c r e t i a M o t t , Dillwyn a n d E d w a r d P a r r i s h ,
George T r u m a n , W i l l i a m D o r s e y , H e l e n G . L o n g s t r e t h , A n n i e S h o e m a k e r , J o n a t h a n T h o r n e ,
William H . M a c y , Thomas F o u l k e , Samuel W i l l e t t s a n d J a n e C . R u s s e l l .
M a n y of these sev-
enty-seven signers w e r e to b e c o m e f a i t h f u l servants a n d generous b e n e f a c t o r s of the new
college.
(fajUJUJ^JL,^ S^rv^o^
— J . (P-ir^t^n^-ei?
/ SL
/
T h e a p p e a l h a v i n g thus b e e n m a d e to F r i e n d s in all the Y e a r l y M e e t i n g s , the
P h i l a d e l p h i a F r i e n d s , who w e r e b y f a r the m o s t numerous^ a s s u m e d the chief b u r d e n of following it u p .
E v e n b e f o r e the A d d r e s s w a s p r i n t e d a n d d i s t r i b u t e d , the critics of the
p l a n b e g a n their obstructive w o r k .
A n editorial in the same n u m b e r of the Friends*
Intelligencer (for T w e l f t h M o . 2 2 , 1 8 6 0 )
w h i c h a n n o u n c e d the a d o p t i o n of the A d d r e s s a t
the m e e t i n g in New Y o r k twelve days b e f o r e , r e f e r r e d to some of these objections a n d
m a d e the following reply:
P R e h a v e r e c e i v e d several essays o n the subject of E d u c a t i o n , in n e a r l y a l l of
w h i c h , the w r i t e r s b a s e their remarks in relation to the p r o p o s e d B o a r d i n g S c h o o l , on the
supposition that it is intended to p l a c e it u n d e r the care of Y e a r l y M e e t i n g s . B u t the
address a l l u d e d to in the p r e s e n t n u m b e r , as a b o u t to b e p u b l i s h e d f o r g e n e r a l c i r c u l a t i o n ,
- T h i s A d d r e s s was p u b l i s h e d in the F r i e n d s ' Intelligencer f o r M a r c h 3 0 , A p r i l 6 , a n d
--I
A p r i l 1 5 , 1861 ( V o l . ^ 8 , p p . 4 2 - 4 4 , 5 3 - 5 5 , 7 2 - 7 4 ) , p r e f a c e d b y the n o t e : " A l t h o u g h the
Ji/
subjoined A d d r e s s h a s b e e n circulated a m o n g the m e m b e r s of the several Y e a r l y M e e t i n g s , w e h a v e thought that if p u b l i s h e d in o u r p a p e r it m i g h t b e read b y some who
h a v e not h a d the o p p o r t u n i t y of k n o w i n g in what m a n n e r the interesting subject of
education h a d b e e n recently p l a c e d b e f o r e us."
- a - Tai.-if.-r.
A k
>1
Q f ^ j r f " ~
Jr
'
-
will show, that this is not c o n t e m p l a t e d .
f6
T h e w r i t e r s of the several e s s a y s w i l l f i n d
much of their religious c o n c e r n , e m b o d i e d in that document»
^To
the friend who expresses a fear that such a school as it is p r o p o s e d to es-
tablish, w o u l d p r e v e n t the a t t e n t i o n of F r i e n d s b e i n g turned to the improvement of primary and n e i g h b o r h o o d s c h o o l s , we m a y r e p l y , that the experience of similar institutions
has p r o v e d that the effect is rather to raise the standard of a l l s c h o o l s , b y e d u c a t i n g
teachers at a m o d e r a t e e x p e n s e .
J* T h e same w r i t e r a d v o c a t e s a system of f r e e instruction throughout the S o c i e t y ,
and t h i s , no d o u b t , w o u l d b e an effectual m e a n s of competing w i t h the p u b l i c s c h o o l s . Y e t
even if w e l o o k to this desirable r e s u l t , there a r e no m o r e efficient m e a n s towards i t ,
than to embrace u n i t e d l y every o p e n i n g w h i c h a p p e a r s likely to give to our children a
liberal e d u c a t i o n , a n d to instil into their m i n d s at the same t i m e , a love f o r our principles a n d t e s t i m o n i e s .
It is to individuals thus t r a i n e d , that w e m u s t look in the fut-
ure to carry still f u r t h e r that b e a u t i f u l p r i n c i p l e of Christian e q u a l i t y , w h i c h w o u l d
give to every child b o r n into the Society an education commensurate w i t h h i s p o w e r s , a n d
at the expense of the w h o l e .
O n the subject of b o o k s . w e give the f o l l o w i n g r e m a r k e d f r o m one of the essays
referred to:
'Another serious d i s a d v a n t a g e u n d e r w h i c h w e l a b o r , is the w a n t of suitable
books for c h i l d r e n , not only f o r the infant m i n d , but a l s o f o r those of riper y e a r s ; a n d
are w e not dependant for b o o k s on those w h o s e v i e w s in several important p a r t i c u l a r s a r e
bat in a c c o r d a n c e w i t h o u r p r i n c i p l e s ?
a n d if w e s e n d our children to schools over w h i c h
we h a v e no c o n t r o l , it seems n e c e s s a r y to u s e such class b o o k s a s a r e u s e d in such s c h o o l s .
And I w o u l d i n q u i r e , a r e there n o t talent a n d l e a r n i n g enough a m o n g u s to g e t u p b o o k s
for our children in a c c o r d a n c e with our o w n v i e w s ? '
^ W h i l s t this w a n t remains u n s u p p l i e d , w e k n o w no b e t t e r w a y to obviate the difficulty, t h a n to have teachers trained to u n d e r s t a n d o u r p r i n c i p l e s a n d testimonies; for
a religiously concerned a n d intelligent t e a c h e r ^ w i l l k n o w what to p a s s b y in the class
books u s e d , a n d w h a t to m a k e a n o c c a s i o n f o r h o l d i n g u p truth in o p p o s i t i o n to e r r o r . ^
/
(
x
.
V*. S^VvvvwttLu }
Je?k. J\0-rJtL
/ U^p
/
)
-
fe
-
To convince the d o u b t i n g T h o m a s e s , a n d to raise the first h a l f of the
$ 1 5 0 , 0 0 0 ^ required so that the m a n a g e r s o r trustees c o u l d b e elected a n d started u p o n
their t a s k , a series of m e e t i n g s w e r e h e l d in P h i l a d e l p h i a .
The first of these o c c u r r e d
in the R a c e Street Meeting-house o n the 1 4 t h . of J a n u a r y * 1 8 6 1 .
Jg
meeting are recorded as follows ih the r e c o r d - b o o k
T h e m i n u t e s of this
*
by D i l l w y n P a r r i s l y - a l t h o u g h h e
did not sign his n a m e as clerk:
Philadelphia
_
^ A t a M e e t i n g of the Committee a p p o i n t e d b y F r i e n d s of P h i l a d e l p h i a h e l d p u r suant to notice 1
s t
Mo 1 4
t h
1861 P r e s e n t 1 ? f r i e n d s .
•J^The object of the M e e t i n g w a s stated to b e the d i s t r i b u t i o n of the 1500
pamphlets a n d subscription p a p e r s d i r e c t e d to b e p u b l i s h e d b y the joint C o m m i t t e e .
•^Several Suggestions w e r e m a d e b u t it w a s finally concluded that the f o l l o w i n g
Friends s h o u l d b e a p p o i n t e d to a t t e n d to the service in the several Quarterly M e e t i n g s
b e l o n g i n g to our Ya e a r l y M e e t i n g .
^ P h i l a d D i l l w y n P a r r i s h & Geo T r u m a n
#Abington
Sam* P a r r y
^Bucks
Nath
*?
Richardson & Mary S . Lippincott
1
\
)
,
^Concord 1
^Western 3
s
^
Mc Pherson Saunders and Anne Shoemaker.
n
sharplestf
*
«
"*"Cala
Helen G Longstreth
^Southern
Rachel T Jackson
*lurliggton
if D P a r r i s h
•^addonfield
Mary S Lippincott
*Salem
If® Griscorn
"'fishing Creek
1
Clement B i d d l e
& Benj
n
Price
Lydia Gillingham
Thos Ridgway
&
Hannah Lippincott
David J Griscom
&
Jane Johnson
M c p h e r s o n Saunders
w a s a g r e e d that the f o l l o w i n g circular should b e a d d r e s s e d to a few
| Friends in the v a r i o u s M o n t h l y Meetings b y the C o m m i t t e e a n d the Clerk w a s directed to
a
have 2 5 0 copies p r i n t e d for their u s e . ^'Esteemed Friend
l
A t a Conference h e l d in P h i l
a
in 1 1 ^
Mo last on the subject of
E d u c a t i o n , a committee w a s a p p o i n t e d to a i d in c a r r y i n g out the p l a n of establishing
a B o a r d i n g School as p r o p o s e d in the a c c o m p a n y i n g a d d r e s s .
Committee of F r i e n d s —
O n m e e t i n g w i t h a joint
a p p o i n t e d b y similar conferences in N e w Y o r k a n d B a l t i m o r e it
w a s concluded to p u b l i s h the p a m p h l e t a n d j r a k e a n effort to obtain f u n d s , forjrtiich
iZ~l (f. jr /- /.
I t is p r o p o s e d that if F r i e n d s in our different Q u a r t e r l y Meetings
purpose a subscription p a p e r is also s e n t .
c
fffi /
•
&
u n i t e in the object conferences should b e h e l d a n d the a d d r e s s read a n d that Committees
be a p p o i n t e d to a t t e n d a g e n e r a l m e e t i n g to b e h e l d on
6
th
day the 1 5
t h
of 3 * * M o n t h
next a t 3 o ' c l o c k in the a f t e r n n o n a t E a c e St M e e t i n g H o u s e d
Then a d j o u r n e d . ^
//A; »
»
/
The g e n e r a l conference thus p r o p o s e d to b e h e l d two m o n t h s l a t e r , to h e a r
reports from the local conferences a n d to enable the c o m m i t t e e to t a k e the n e x t s t e p ,
was a d v e r t i s e d in the F r i e n d s ' Intelligencer of T h i r d M o . 9 a n d 1 6 , 1 8 6 1 ,
a s followss
^ W e w o u l d remind F r i e n d s in the different sections of o u r Y e a l y Meeting*
that the g e n e r a l Confenance on the subject of E d u c a t i o n , the establishment of a B o a r d ing S c h o o l , & J 3 . , w i l l b e h e l d a t R a c e Street M e e t i n g H o u s e , on S i x t h - d a y a f t e r n o o n ,
1 5 t h n f T h i r d M o n t h , a t three o ' c l o c k .
'Pit is h o p e d that this interesting subject h a s o c c u p i e d the a t t e n t i o n of the
m e m b e r s of our Y e a r l y M e e t i n g in t h e i r several n e i g h b o r h o o d s a n d that there w i l l b e a
I general a t t e n d a n c e of those interested in carrying out the p r o p o s e d plan.*T h e general conference w a s duly heldj b u t in l i e u of its w r i t t e n m i n u t e s , if
any w e r e t a k e n , w e find only the f o l l o w i n g editorial (which m a y h a v e b e e n contributed
y AVUji
Vol\43,
824,
8.
b y D i l l w y n P a r r i s h ) in the F r i e n d s ' I n t e l l i g e n c e r f o r T h i r d M o 2 3 , 1 8 6 1 : ^
32ZL
i7 - '
'
""IF* Vtrv
V.
/
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/OutucJU,
Oflrv / X u ^ y ^ ,
/
)
"Ttir
dfftsbu&A, A ^ A W -
A
•
AS^gC.
zvvvyvvt/^V
AVO-v
-
general Conference on the subject of E d u c a t i o n , a n d the
J*
-
f t
establishment
of a B o a r d i n g S c h o o l , w a s h e l d at R a c e Street M e e t i n g H o u s e , P h i l a d e l p h i a , on the
15th i n s t . , in a c c o r d a n c e w i t h an invitation e x t e n d e d b y the Committee a p p o i n t e d in
11th ntonth l a s t .
N e a r l y 2 0 0 F r i e n d s , from w i t h i n the limits of all the Q u a r t e r l y
Meetings b e l o n g i n g to P h i l a d e l p h i a Y e a r l y M e e t i n g , w e r e in a t t e n d a n c e .
The Minutes
of the Committee were r e a d , a n d the F r i e n d s therein a p p o i n t e d to d i s t r i b u t e the Address a d o p t e d b y the Conferences h e l d in B a l t i m o r e , P h i l a d e l hia a n d N e w Y o r k Y e a r l y
M e e t i n g s , reported that the service h a d been a t t e n d e d t o .
<*It a p p e a r e d f r o m the reports t h a t Conferences h a d b e e n h e l d w i t h i n the
limits of some of the Q u a r t e r l y M e e t i n g s , in w h i c h the A d d r e s s w a s r e a d , a n d delegates
w e r e a p p o i n t e d b y M i n u t e to represent the v i e w s of the m e m b e r s , a n d some F r i e n d s from
within the limits of a l l the Q u a r t e r l y M e e t i n g s w e r e p r e s e n t , a n d p a r t i c i p a t e d in the
proceedings.
It was a l s o stated t h a t , in some n e i g h b o r h o o d s , subscriptions f o r
the object h a d b e e n e n t e r e d i n t o .
Satisfactory evidence w a s a f f o r d e d that a deep in-
terest in this important concern was felt b y mai$r of o u r m e m b e r s , a n d extracts were read
from l e t t e r s of Friends b e l o n g i n g to B a l t i m o r e a n d N e w Y o r k Y e a r l y M e e t i n g s , b e a r i n g
similar t e s t i m o n y .
-JThe p r e s e n t p o l i t i c a l a n d financial d i f f i c u l t i e s h a v e p r e v e n t e d , in m a r y
n e i g h b o r h o o d s , a systematic effort to collect the n e c e s s a r y f u n d s , but it w a s b e l i e v e d
the time h a d now a r r i v e d to enter w i t h zeal into the w o r k .
Subscription papers, which
had b e e n a d o p t e d b y the joint C o n f e r e n c e , w e r e p l a c e d in the h a n d s of F r i e n d s from
each section f o r distribution a m o n g the m e m b e r s of the several Q u a r t e r l y a n d M o n t h l y
M e e t i n g s , a n d the Half Y e a r f s M e e t i n g at F i s h i n g C r e e k , a n d they are expected to report
to a n a d j o u r n e d m e e t i n g of this C o n f e r e n c e to b e h e l d o n T h i r d - d a y e v e n i n g , 1 4 t h of 5 t h
m o n t h n e x t , at 8 o ' c l o c k - the w e e k of o u r Y e a r l y M e e t i n g .
^ffThe g e n e r a l interest felt in this subject h a s induced u s to f u r n i s h this
information, a n d w e shall w e l c o m e to our columns a n y communications from F r i e n d s of
-
T
^ o t h e r Y e a r l y M e e t i n g s w h i c h g i v e a n a c c o u n t o f the p r o g r e s s o f t h e c o n c e r n w i t h i n
\ their l i m i t s .
i
a p p e n d a c o p y o f the s u b s c r i p t i o n p a p e r :
'For the p u r p o s e of e s t a b l i s h i n g a F R I E N D S ' BOARDING- S C H O O L , w h e r e o u r y o u t h
i m a y r e c e i v e a l i b e r a l a n d g u a r d e d e d u c a t i o n , u n d e r t h e c a r e of m e m b e r s o f t h e S o c i e t y ;
! w h e r e t e a c h e r s c a n b e e d u c a t e d a n d p r o p e r l y p r e p a r e d to t a k e c h a r g e o f S c h o o l s in
i F r i e n d s ' n e i g h b o r h o o d s ; a n d w h e r e o r p h a n c h i l d r e n , a n d o t h e r s w h o s e c i r c u m s t a n c e s require them to b e sent f r o m h o m e , m a y b e e d u c a t e d a t a m o d e r a t e e x p e n s e , o n the g e n e r a l
plan i n d i c a t e d i n the " A d d r e s s " i s s u e d b y m e m b e r s of the Y e a r l y M e e t i n g s of B a l t i m o r e ,
Philadelphia and New Y o r k , w e , the subscribers, a g r e e , a n d hereby b i n d ourselves, our
e x e c u t o r s a n d a d m i n i s t r a t o r s , to p a y the suras o p p o s i t e to o u r r e s p e c t i v e n a m e s ; f i v e
dollars p e r share of t w e n t y - f i v e d o l l a r s e a c h to b e p a i d w h e n s e v e n t y - f i v e
thousand
d o l l a r s shall b e r e l i a b l y s u b s c r i b e d a n d t h e A s s o c i a t i o n is o r g a n i z e d , a n d f i v e d o l lars p e r s h a r e e v e r y s i x m o n t h s t h e r e a f t e r u n t i l t h e w h o l e is
F r o m t h i s a c c o u n t it does not a p p e a r in w h a t M o n t h l y M e e t i n g s l o c a l c o n f e r ences o n t h e p r o j e c t w e r e h e l d b e f o r e the g e n e r a l c o n f e r e n c e of M a r c h 1 5 , 1 8 6 1 ; b u t
t w e l v e d a y s l a t e r , a l o c a l c o n f e r e n c e w a s h e l d i n P h i l a d e l p h i a M o n t h l y M e e t i n g , the
m i n u t e s o f w h i c h g a v e c o m e d o w n to u s a s f o l l o w s :
f k b a m e e t i n g of s o m e m e m b e r s of P h i l a d e l p h i a M o n t h l y M e e t i n g (Race S t ) h e l d
a g r e a b l y to n o t i c e , a t the c l o s e of o u r m e e t i n g f o r w o r s h i p o n F o u r t h d a y M o r n i n g 3^"
th
S mo
2 7 * " 1861
to c o n f e r u p o n the s u b j e c t of the p r o p o s e d e s t a b l i s h m e n t of a F r i e n d s
: Boarding School
/
^
u
^ j r o p d s i t i o n w a s m a d e a n d u n i t e d w i t h that s u b s c r i p t i o n p a p e r s b e o p e n e d x n i x
;g.t the s t o r e o f E d w a r d P a r r i s h a n d that w e u s e o u r i n f l u e n c e to i n d u c e F r i e n d s to c a l l
;and e n t e r t h e i r n a m e s a s
subscribers.
fflt w a s n o t t h o u g h t b e s t to a p p o i n t a c o m m i t t e e a t this t i m e b u t a s a n u m b e r
.of i n t e r e s t e d F r i e n d s c a n n o t l e a v e t h e i r b u s i n e s s d u r i n g the day it w a s c o n c l u d e d to
f
tiL
1
mo*"* 1
s t
a t " ^ o ' c l o c k to d e l i b e r a t e
-
90
-
'urther on the s u b j e c t .
^ A Friend, being requested to invite a general a t t e n d a n c e at the time n a m e d ,
t the close of our m e e t i n g for worship on F i r s t day m o r n i n g .
^Then adjourned.^
These m i n u t e s are u n s i g n e d , but they were doubtless taken b y Samuel S . A s h ,
ho "was called to the table" a s c l e r k .
The subscription p a p e r s in Philadelphia were
o be o p e n e d , as stated, "at the store of E d w a r d P a r r i s h " ; and at the next local confernce in P h i l a d e l p h i a , Edwa.rd p a r r i s h and A n n e Shoemaker were appointed c l e r k s , E d w a r d
arrish signing the m i n u t e s .
These m i n u t e s w e r e as follows:
^ A t a M e e t i n g on the evening of Fourth M o n t h 1
1 8 6 1 at the Hace St M e e t i n g
ouse P r e s e n t about 70 Friends m a n y h a v i n g been detained by the inclemency of the w e a t h e r .
^ E d w a r d P a r r i s h and A n n e Shoemaker were a p p o i n t e d C l e r k s .
T h e Clerk informed
hat $2150* have b e e n subscribed by five F r i e n d s towards the fund to b e raised for the
stablishment of the s c h o o l .
^ T h e A d d r e s s adopted by the joint committees of Friends of Baltimore New Y o r k
nd Philadelphia w a s read for the information of some p r e s e n t .
^The Subscription C o m m i t t e e , 1 8 6 ^
**The following Friends w e r e apnointed to obtain subscriptions to the fund w i t h
Dwer to a.dd to their number as they m a y deem it expedient - - ^ T h e n a d j o u r n e d to F o u r t h day E v e n i n g
3
43
1
mo l ^ at 8 oclock.
E d w a r d P a r r i s h , Clerk.'*
4
W e should like to k n o w , but are not informed by the a b o v e , the npmes of the"five
3 _
This list is given in A p p e n d i x I I I , infra, p . 4 4 7 .
- 91 -
44
Friends" who h a d subscribed $ 2 , 1 5 0 . to the d e s i g n a t e d fund of $ 1 5 0 , 0 0 0 .
„
)ther Friends could be found to contribute a p r o p o r t i o n a t e sura, the fund, would be raised;
m d it w a s confidently exroected that the f i f t y - s e v e n F r i e n d s a p p o i n t e d on the subscription
somraittee w o u l d succeed in the endeavofj^-^Among the F r i e n d s appointed on the committee
t this time was Isaac H . C l o t h i e r , then a struggling y o u n g m e r c h a n t of t w e n t y - t h r e e , but
estined to share with the dollege for m o r e than half a century b o t h h i m s e l f a n d the
ruits of his t o i l .
His first recorded contribution to
9varthmore*s funds appears to
ave been in 1 8 6 2 , when h e subscribed $ 5 0 . for two shares of its s t o c k .
The committee having b e e n appointed at the m e e t i n g on A p r i l 1 s t . , m e t two a n d
hree days l a t e r , as appears from the following m i n u t e (not s i g n e d , but w r i t t e n by E d w a r d
grrish, one of the two clerks);
the m e e t i n g of the a b o v e committee h e l d on the Evenings of the 3 ^ and
4 ^
th
f 4
M o n t h 1861 p r e s e n t about 30 m e m b e r s .
•J^m Etyre Jno D . Griscom a n d Clement M B i d d l e w e r e added to the C o m m i t t e e .
^ T h e names of the m e m b e r s of the M o n t h l y M e e t i n g contained in the Treasurers
aok were c a l l e d
over and allotted to the respective m e m b e r s of this c o m m i t t e e to call
i them for s u b s c r i p t i o n s .
<^The following F r i e n d s w e r e a p p o i n t e d to h a v e charge of a list of names not
;herwise appropriated a n d to consider the expediency of issuing a circular to the m e m b e r s
f the Monthly M e e t i n g apprizing them of the p r o g r e s s of this movement v i z Edward P a r r i s h ,
IOS R i d g w a y Dillwyn P n r r i s h Geo T a b e r , Thos W D a v i s , W m C B i d d l e .
^ A d j o u r n e d to the evening of 4 m o 1 7 ^ inst.^>
I -
They may h a v e b e e n Edward H o o p e s , H e n r y M . L a i n g , T h o m a s R i d g w a y , William D . P a r r i s h ,
and James and L u c r e t i a M o t t . The first three of these are recorded in 1862 to h a v e
subscribed $ 5 0 0 e a c h , the fourth $ 3 7 5 , a n d J a m e s a n d Lucretia M o t t j o i n t l y $ 2 5 0 .
In 1 8 6 2 , the N o t t s trebled their original s u b s c r i p t i o n .
-
92
-
A m o n g the three new- members armointed on the P h i l a d e l p h i a Committee a t the
rsbove m e e t i n g w a s Clement M . B i d d l e , then (like his i n t i m a t e f r i e n d , Isaac H . C l o t h i e r )
5. straggling youn-- m e r c h a n t of t w e n t y - t h r e e , and d e s t i n e d to serve Swarthmore College in
notable w a y s during the critical y e a r s of its b u i l d i n g a n d for a score of yerrs after
its o p e n i n g .
He began h i s gifts to the college in
w h e n he subscribed $50 for
two shares of its stock, a n d acted as "Receiver for Philadelphia" from 1 s t . M o n t h 1 3 ,
L363, to S t h . Month 5 , 1 8 6 9 , when he b e c a m e Clerk of the B o a r d in E d w a r d P a r r i s h ' s p l a c e ,
le acted in the latter capacity for three y e a r s , and from 1868 to 1873 w a s also Clerk
)f the C o r p o r a t i o n .
F o r nearly twenty years thereafter he was a m e m b e r of the Board of
A fortnight l a t e r , the P h i l a d e l p h i a committee h e l d another m e e t i n g , w h i c h m u s t
46
lave been a rather discouraging one;
but they r e s o l v e d to m e e t a g a i n one w e e k later and
:onsider the R e p o r t w h i c h had been p r e p a r e d for a n o t h e r general conference to be h e l d in
!
h i l a d e l o h i a during the w e e k of Y e a r l y M e e t i n g , in M a y 1 8 6 1 .
The m i n u t e s of the Committee's m e e t i n g s on A p r i l 17 and 2 4 were as follows;
<*&t a m e e t i n g of the Committee 4 m o 17 1861 Several Friends reported subscripions obtained but most of those p r e s e n t h a d m e t w i t h no success owing to the u n f a v o r a b l e
ime
^ T o prepare for d i s t r i b u t i o n , notices of the a d j o u r n e d m e e t i n g of F r i e n d s on
st
he subject of the School which is to b e h e l d on the e v e n i n g of 5 m o 1
^ S e l e n 0 Longstreth Bnaline L M o o r e Jos M T r u m a n J r Rachel S E v a n s , Thos W
Ivans and Jos Canby were a p p o i n t e d
5 - It is interesting to f i n d , from a. notice in the F r i e n d s ' Intelligencer for First M o .
1 9 , 1861 (Vol. X V I I , P p . 712-13) that at this critical time in the h i s t o r y of the
country and of Swarthmore College Edward P s r r i s h a n d Clement M . B i d d l e were a c t i n g as
Vice P r e s i d e n t a n d Treasurer of a Soup H o u s e f o r the U n e m p l o y e d ! T h e notice is as
follows:
^See P n g e 92 - aj
6 -
Fort Sumter h a d been attacked on the 1 2 t h . of A p r i l , £nd the Civil War b e g u n .
92 -
a
ootnote N o . U5^continued|
»*The large number of persons who have been thrown out of employment by the
rangement in political business affairs recently, induced a number of citizens (prinoally friends) to establish a Soup House in a central situation . - - - - -
&We are requested to state that the 'Central Soup Society of Philadelphia'
r the gratuitous distribution of soup and other food to the poor during the inclement
1
w o n , has been established at N o . 5 3 North street (first street south of A r c h , running
jm 5th to 6th street).
A supply of nutritious soup will be furnished every day between
5 hours of 11 and 1 o'clock, (except the first day of the week,) to such applicants as
r be referred to the Soup House with a note signed by a respectable person, stating the
iber of adults and children in each family.
Applicants must reside last of Eleventh
•eet, and between Callowhill and Walnut Streets, to obtain daily supplies from this
tree,
though none are sent empty away while the supply holds out. No better way has been
'ised for furnishing the poor and destitute with cheap and nutritious food through the
iter than institutions of this character, and we would recommend it to such of our readi as feel desirous to contribute toward the relief of this class of our population.
i*Itonations of money, beef or vegetables will be received at the Soup House
sry day between 11 and 1 o'clock, or by either of the following officers.
Bartram ?
Isaac Barton
> President. N o . 35 S.2nd St
Edward Parrish, Vice Pres. N o . S00 Arch S t .
Nathan H . Sharpless, Sec. N o . 28 N . 7th St.
Clement M . Biddle, Trea., N o . 131 Market St
Committee
of
1
Supplies. ^
J j W w ,
fr
fi.
f x -
- 9 3 -
^ T o assist the clerks in preparing a report to be submitted at said adjourned
leeting Dillwyn Parrish and Helen G . Longstreth
^Adjourned to the evening of the 2 4th inst >
meeting was held on the evening of 2 $
h
of 4
month at which the arrange-
ents for the distribution of the notices were completed and the report to the general
eeting Adopted
Import
'To the Adjourned Conference of Friends of Philadelphia Monthly Meeting
•The Committee appointed to obtain subscriptions to a fund for the establishment
f a Boarding School having labored in the matter present the following Eeport enw
-
JtSr -
f
bracing a sketch of the origin of this concern and its present aspects as far as our
Monthly Meeting is concerned.
^During the sittings of Baltimore Yearly Meeting in JO
Month last, a number
of its members met in conference to consider the propriety of establishing a Friends
Boarding School where our youth may receive a liberal and guarded education under the
care of memtBrs of the Society, - where teachers can be educated and properly trained
to take charge of schools in Friends neighborhoods and where orphan children and others
whose circumstances require them to be sent from home may be educated at a moderate
expense.
After carefully considering the subject in its various bearings Friends of
Baltimore appointed
a committee to prepare an address and if way opened to meet their
brethren in Philadelphia and New York Yearly Meetings in conference.
^In the latter O-fi named cities a considerable number of Friends came together
at the invitation of the Baltimore Committee and the address prepared by them was read
and after some alterations united with, - after which joint committees from tht three
conferences met and agreed to publish and circulate the address throughout the Society
in this country.
•Tit is an encouraging circumstance that in these several conferences there
was no diversity of sentiment as to the necessity of an Institution where our children
can receive an education in its true sense by the simultaneous cultivation of their
intellectual and moral powers.
It was believed that a duty devolved upon us as a rel-
igious body to provide means for the liberal education of our children tinder circumstances favorable to the maintainance of our religious principles and testimonies.
this want under which we have been suffering for many years, is not
supplied there is every reason to fear that onr Society will be gradually absorbed by
the religious denominations by which we are surrounded.
^In the early settlement of Pennsylvania - ample provision was made by W
10
Penn and his associates for the education not only of the members of the Society of
Friends but for the general community and this principal has been in measure acted upon
-
^
-
)y their successors in religious f e l l o w s h i p .
^The system of Public School instruction so universal in the Free States has
>pened the way for all to acquire an education, but experience has proved that there
.s a large class in this community who still desire to send their children to schools
mder the care of Friends and it is proposed that this class shall be admitted as far
is is consistent with the duties we awe to our own members and professors.
^While it is impossible to state accurately the plan that the Trustees to be
ppointed by the Stockholders may adopt^it is contemplated that while facilities are
.fforded for pursueing a liberal and extensive course of study - equal to that of the
est Institutions in our country, the claims of those tto admission
whose studied have
/
ot been far advanced will not be disregarded.
ake 6000 shares at $25 each and it is believed that this soon can be subscribed withut difficulty if Friends ih our several Yearly Meetings are convinced of the importnce of the object.
It would greatly increase_the interest if all Friends who have the
bility would become shareholders and thus have a^roice in the|Association and wien' it
s remembered that the subscription is to be paid in instalments extending over a period
f Two and a half years, it makes the terms of payment comparatively within the reach
f all.
^ ^ f y j w ^
<
ff/j
^The time has proved most unfavorable for carrying out this laudable object,
most alarming civil war has broken out in our country^ the peaceful occupations of .
lousands of citizens have been suspended.
Our neighboring c i W o f Baltimore^has been
object^ to the temporary control of a lawless and infuriated mob, - feany Friends and
ther law abiding people have been obliged to take refuge in safer or less exposed
Ltuations.
^Everywhere throughout the country business of all kinds not concerned in the
rosecution of the trar has suffered g r e a t l y , securities have fallen in value and not a
3W merchants a n d business m e n a r e already threatened with the loss of their a l l .
*
-
&
-
i L
A s a consequence every m e a s u r e not p e r t a i n i n g to the p u b l i c security o r to the relief
of the a n t i c i p a t e d suffering has b e e n for the p r e s e n t thrown into the s h a d e .
^This C o m m i t t e e h a v e therefore w i t h the u t m o s t reluctance p o s t p o n e d the important a n d interesting work committed to then w i t h the u r g e n t d e s i r e that the
sorrow and difficulty which at p r e s e n t environ u s a n d w h i c h m u s t claigj our thoughts
and interest for some time to come m a y not w h o l l y o b l i t e r a t e the deep concern for the
advantagement of m o r a l a n d intellectual education a m o n g s t u s ; a n d m a y w e n o t h o p e
that mar?/ of those already e n l i s t e d in this scheme of a F r i e n d s B o a r d i n g School m a y y e t
aid in its successful establishment a f t e r the p r e s e n t u n h a p p y difficulties in our
country a r e at a n e n d O "
To make a u e p o r t , a n d receive a n endorsement of its a c t i o n , the committee h e l d
another local c o n f e r e n c e on the 1 s t . of M a y , w h o s e m i n u t e s a r e r e c o r d e d a s follows:
**At a conference h e l ( ^ p ^ o a t l W ^ t o
adjournment
5
th
8
1
Mo l ^ 1861 Present about
60 F r i e n d s .
i^The minutes of the p r e v i o u s conference a n d of the C o m m i t t e e since its appointm e n t w e r e r e a d , also the R e p o r t of the C o m m i t t e e
* T h e clerks a r e requested to p r e p a r e a n d f o r w a r d to tke ensuing conference to
b e h e l d during the w e e k of the Y e a r l y M e e t i n g a R e p o r t of our p r o c e e d i n g s ; of the
causes w h i c h h a v e p r e v e n t e d our o b t a i n i n g subscriptions at this time a n d of our h o p e
of success hereaftefc.
Thos R i d g w a y
To represent u s in said c o n f e r e n c e (}eo T r u m a n D i l l w y n P a r r i s h
Rachel T Jackson
Helen G Longstreth and Susan M Parrish are appointed
Then Adjourned.^
T h e F r i e n d s ' Intelligencer h a d done its b e s t to p r o m o t e the founding of the
new school by p u b l i s h i n g in its issues of M a r c h S O , A p r i l 6 a n d A p r i l 1 3 , 1 8 6 1 , the
of anxiety in their first s e n t e n c e s ^ ^ F o r the last few weeks o u r country h a s b e e n
A d d r e s s of 1860; but its editorials of A p r i l 2 7 a n d M a y 4 struck the n r e v a i l i n g note
M a n u s c r i p t R e c o r d - b o o k , xfy,
36.
r
•3— Vol.
i l«,~-pp. 1 0 4 , 1 2 0 .
j&ElLL
-
-
cjn
convulsed, b y intestine s t r i f e , a n d there is scarcely a v i l l a g e o r hamlet that h a s not
I been
reached b y the rumors of w a r .
T h e exciting incidents connected w i t h this sad
calamity have b e e n n a r r a t e d in e v e r y n e w s p a p e r , a n d the w h o l e country has b e e n a r o u s e d
by a spectacle w h i c h is new to m o s t n o w u p o n the stage of a c t i o n . - - - T h e present
aspect of our national affairs is truly a p p a l l i n g , a n d should h a v e the effect of
I directing our thoughts to that A l m i g h t y , s u p e r i n t e n d i n g p o w e r , w h o s e p r o v i d e n t i a l care
i is over a l l his works.*"
P h i l a d e l p h i a Y e a r l y M e e t i n g w a s h e l d in 1861 from the 1 3 t h . to the 1 7 t h . of
May; b u t it took no official n o t i c e of the m o v e m e n t i n b e h a l f of the n e w educational
institution.
T h e F r i e n d s ' I n t e l l i g e n c e r , a f t e r g i v i n g a n a c c o u n t of its p r o c e e d i n g s ,
-
7,
added the following notice of the Conference w h i c h was h e l d on May 16: fflt w i l l b e
A
interesting to m a n y , who were not i n a t t e n d a n c e a t our late Y e a r l y M e e t i n g , to k n o w
the result of the Conference w h i c h m e t by a d j o u r n m e n t on T h i r d day evening, 16th
inst., on the subject of extending the facilities of e d u c a t i o n , b y the establishment
of a B o a r d i n g S c h o o l .
large n u m b e r of F r i e n d s m e t in the Race Street H o u s e , w h e n the m i n u t e s of
the p r e v i o u s Conference were r e a d , a n d also the n a m e s of those w h o h a d b e e n a p p o i n t e d
w i t h i n the limits of the different Q u a r t e r l y M e e t i n g s to o p e n subscriptions towards
the o b j e c t .
M e m b e r s of all the Q u a r t e r l y M e e t i n g s w i t h i n our l i m i t s reported either
verbally o r in writing; a n d it w a s f o u n d t h a t , w h i l e i n some n e i g h b o r h o o d s liberal
subscriptions had b e e n m a d e , the p r e s e n t state of t h e country h a d p r e v e n t e d m u c h
active effort.
M a n y Friends expressed their v i e w s of the importance of the o b j e c t ,
a n d g a v e assurances of the interest felt i n their respective n e i g h b o r h o o d s , and t h e i r
J b e l i e f that the time w o u l d come w h e n it w o u l d b e a c c o m p l i s h e d .
^ A report from one of the meetings e x p r e s s e d so fully the views of the F r i s a d s
a s s e m b l e d , that w e canntt m o r e a p p r o p r i a t e l y close this notice than b y an extract from
' it.
- Jol,
_____
169 - 170 (Fifth M o . 2 5 , I 8 6 l ) , ^
.X'Our conferences o n the subject h a v e evidenced a deep interest in the
prosecution of the p l a n , and a general belief in its practicability, but THE TIME
has p r o v e d most u n f a v o r a b l e .
The political difficulties in w h i c h our country is un-
happily involved have postponed almost every philanthropic enterprise, a n d covered
the future with such a cloud of doubt a n d distrust, that w e have b e e n reluctantly
compelled to postpone our efforts to obtain subscriptions until p e a c e shall again
prevail in our l a n d , or until the present monetary pressure a n d embarrassment shall
give p l a c e to some degree of returning p r o s p e r i t y .
W h i l e a postponement of this
good work is thus forced u p o n u s , we earnestly desire that the concern for the advancement of moral and intellectual education a m o n g u s m a y be k e p t a l i v e , and w e trust
that some of those already enlisted in the cause m a y yet aid in the successful establishment of a Friends' Boarding School, in advance of any now in existence.'
^ T h e Conference then adjourned, to m e e t on the Third-day evehing of the w e e k
of our Yearly Meeting next y e a r . %
The minutes of
C o n f e r e n c ^ h a v e b e e n p r e s e r v e d , andare as follows;
/5
t h
Mo 1 4
t h
1861.
/ A t a general m e e t i n g of Conference on the subject of E d u c a t i o n a n d the establishment of a Boarding School, convened at the call of the Committee appointed in
11
t h
Month last
^ T h e business of thejMgeting was introduced by reading the minutes of the last
meeting of the Committee and the names of the Friends appointed to distribute the
address.
^ ^ C Mr^Uj^
R e p o r t was m a d e from Philad
8-
MjuJ^c^l
(Quarterly M e e t i n g that the address had been cir-
culated in the five monthly meetings constituting it but owing to the unsettled condition of political affairs a n d financial difficulties it was not deemed advisable
to enter u p o n the subscription until after the present m e e t i n g .
G - Manuscript R e c o r d Book^&^,23 - 2 7 .
11
iy of the M e m b e r s who w e r e i n t e r e s t e d h a d a t t e n d e d the conference h e l d
in the 1 1 ^ M o n t h l a s t a n d h e a r d the a d d r e s s r e a d a n d discussed b u t no m e e t i n g o n the
subject h a d since b e e n called
^Abington
In this Q u a r t e r it w a s stated that the a d d r e s s h a d b e e n circulated
a m o n g the M o n t h l y Meetings but no conference h a d b e e n h e l d
4%ucks
Report w a s m a d e that a l l the M o n t h l y Meetings h a d b e e n supplied
with copies of the a d d r e s s , but a s f a r a s h e a r d f r o m , no conference h a s b e e n c o n v e n e d
£ T h e Committee to d i s t r i b u t e the a d d r e s s in C o n c o r d Q u a r t e r r e p o r t e d they h a d
done so a n d that a conference h a d b e e n h e l d in West Chester w h i c h was satisfactory
and largely a t t e n d e d .
^tlestern QuartergrMeeting is reported a s h a v i n g r e c e i v e d the address^ which h a s
been read in nearly a l l the M o n t h l y M e e t i n g s b e l o n g i n g to it a n d in one of the M o n t h l y
Meetings, a considerable number of subscriptions h a v e b e e n m a d e .
£ C a l n Q u a r t e r l y M e e t i n g h a s r e c e i v e d a sufficient n u m b e r of the address f o r
circulation through the M o n t h l y M e e t i n g s
a
^ F r i e n d s in S^sfcsbury a n d B r a d f o r d M o n t h l y M e e t i n g s h a v
e
niade some subscriptions
^ A t a c o n f e r e n c e held a t the close of B r a d f o r d - O l i v e r P a x s o n a n d J a n e P a x s o n
rere a p p o i n t e d to a t t e n d this conference a n d p r o d u c e d a m i n u t e signed by the Clerk
£ T h e address w a s d i s t r i b u t e d in Southern Q u a r t e r l y M e e t i n g but no conference
las b e e n h e l d w i t h i n its l i m i t ^
^ B u r l i n g t o n Q u a r t e r l y M e e t i n g h a s r e c e i v e d a supply of the a d d r e s s but a s f a r
is appears Friends h a v e not m e t in conference u p o n the s u b j e c t .
#Haddonfield Quarter.
T h e distribution is r e p o r t e d to h a v e b e e n m a d e w i t h i n
•he l i m i t s b u t no conferences h a v e b e e n h e l d .
^alem
-
T h i s m e e t i n g r e c e i v e d the a d d r e s s w h i c h w a s read in conference
f t e r several of the Monthly M e e t i n g s .
# T h e conference at P ^ l e s g r o v e on 2 6 ^ of
m o n t h a p p o i n t e d b y m i n u t e Charles
arroll L i p p i n c o t t , M a r y S . H o l l i n s h e a d N a t h a n T h o r n e Jojpi A t k i n s o n , R a c h e l Thorne
-
i9r -
H a n n a h L . R o b i n s a n d D a v i d M ^ D a v i s n e a r l y all of w h o m were p r e s e n t at this t i m e .
^ A t a M e e t i n g of Conference of the M e m b e r s of W o o d b u r y M o n t h l y M e e t i n g h e l d
2
d
m o 21the a d d r e s s w a s read a n d Friends feeling it to b e a subject of great im-
p o r t a n c e a p p o i n t e d a committee to a t t e n d this m e e t i n g who p r o d u c e d a m i n u t e signed b y
the clerk viz W i l l i a m Griscom W i l l i a m H a i n e s A m o s J . P e a s l e e D a v i d J . Griscom H a n n a h
E K Lippincott S a r a h B (3gden R a c h e l H a i n e s Sarah W Griscom Catharine Clement H a n n a h
P e a s l e e E d w i n Craft
Samuel L i p p i n c o t t a n d Samuel O g d e n a l l of w h o m w e r e present
•^Fishing C r e e k Half Y e a r s M e e t i n g
C o p i e s of the address h a v e b e e n forwarded to this m e e t i n g a n d b y m i n u t e w e are
informed that a conference of the m e m b e r s of F i s h i n g Creek M o n t h l y M e e t i n g was h e l d at
J.T' JS
•
Millfcille on 12
sidered
of S
M o n t h 1 8 6 1 in w h i c h the a d d r e s s was read a n d attentively con-
W i l l i a m B u r g e s s who is now p r e s e n t w a s a p p o i n t e d to a t t e n d this conference
a n d 'make k n o w n our condition w a n t s & p r o s p e c t s '
P A C o m m u n i c a t i o n a d d r e s s e d to the C l e r k w a s received a n d read from J. Comly
B r o s i u s on b e h a l f of a conference held a t the close of P e n n s g r o v e M o n t h l y M e e t i n g
informing that the address h a d b e e n r e a d a m o n g them but the w a y d i d not appear clear
to p r o c e e d further in the m a t t e r at p r e s e n t
"^Extracts of letters w e r e read from F r i e n d s b e l o n g i n g to B a l t i m o r e a n d N e w Y o r k
Y e a r l y Meetings w h i c h furnished encouraging evidence of interest in the concern a n d
m a n y remarked w e r e m a d e by F r i e n d s n o w in a t t e n d a n c e expressive of their u n i t y w i t h
the general features of the p l a n p r o p o s e d in the a d d r e s s
flAfter a f r e e interchange of v i e w s u p o n the important subject of Education in
w h i c h Friends from different sections of the Y e a r l y M e e t i n g p a r t i c i p a t e d , it w a s concluded to recommend that subscriptions b e t a k e n u p w i t h i n the l i m i t s of our m o n t h l y
m e e t i n g s a n d that reports b e m a d e of the A m o u n t s s u b s c r i b e d to a n a d j o u r n e d m e e t i n g of
this conference to be h e l d a t R a c e Street M e e t i n g H o u s e on 3
of our^gjZeaS Y e a r l y Me e t i n g j a t ^ o'clock
d
d a y E v e n i n g - the w e e k
f*The subscription p a p e r a g r e e d u p o n b y the joint committees from Baltimore
/ol
-
-2©
-
a
P h i l d e l p h i a a n d New Y o r k w a s read a n d d i r e c t e d to b e circulated throughout our YearlyMeeting
f*The f o l l o w i n g friends a r e a p p o i n t e d a C o m m i t t e e to distribute them a n d are
expected to m a k e report at o u r next m e e t i n g w h a t a m o u n t h a s b e e n subscribed w i t h i n
the limits of their several Quarters v i z Philadelphia
Dillwyn Parrish
Abington
Richard Moore
Bucks
Mark Palmer
Concord
S S a l e n Sharpies
Western
Ezra Michener
Cain
Southern
John Hunn
Burlington
Henry W Ridgway
Haddonfield
Mary S Lippincott
Isaac L i p p i n c o t t
E d w i n Craft
Salem
Amos J Peaslee
William Burgess
Fishing Creek
Then adjourned
(Signed) D I L L W Y N P A R R I S H
t ^ t f ^
Clerk.
E d w a r d P a r r i s h , who h a d a c t e d a s clerk of the P h i l a d e l p h i a l o c a l committee
and conferences a n d h a d p r o b a b l y b e e n the chief a u t h o r of its R e p o r t , w a s not appointed to represent P h i l a d e l p h i a F r i e n d s in the g e n e r a l c o n f e r e n c e , b u t gave way to h i s
elder b r o t h e r , D i l l w y n , who a c t e d a s c l e r k of the l a t t e r c o n f e r e n c e .
his"%sBays' o
f
1 8 6 6
(p^
4 7
E d w a r d , in
r e c a l l e d this dark y e a r of 1 8 6 0 - 61 a n d its
efforts in the following p a r a g r a p h s :
/ o v
- 2t-
^ I t w a s in the darkfist h o u r that a v o i c e w a s raised ih o u r councils, which
h a d m a n y times before b e e n h e a r d in the m i d s t of discouragements a n d even obloquy in
• defense of p r o g r e s s a n d p r i n c i p l e , - the voice of one who h a d herself realized in
early life the value of a Friends' school, - showing the p r e s s i n g importance of
those educational interests w h i c h m u s t influence the welfare of society i n any event
and u n d e r a l l circumstances.
So fully w e r e these views r e a l i z e d , that it was resolved
to p e r s e v e r e , p r e s e n t i n g the subject in every community of F r i e n d s , w h e r e there w a s
a n ear to h e a r , and invoking the m o r a l support a n d p e c u n i a r y a i d of a l l .
•^Conferences were a p p o i n t e d in Friends' meeting-houses in city a n d coulxtry;
sometimes these w e r e largely attended; the subject w a s earnestly p r e s e n t e d a n d subscriptions solicited in aid of the u n d e r t a k i n g .
A committee for p r o m o t i n g subscrip-
tions to the fund met monthly at Race Street M e e t i n g - h o u s e , P h i l a d e l p h i a , generally
attended b y some from the country; thus the interest was kept alive a n d the subscription extended."*
To w h o m the fine tribute of this first p a r a g r a p h was p a i d is not sure; but it
w o u l d a p p l y w e l l to either M a r t h a E . Tyson o r L u c r e t i a Mptt"^
Aw q.-
yfoz^ffi^JStertifr
A t this juncture a voi'ce spdke from N e w ^ Y o r k .
w-L-3The movement for educational
advance had begun with the Friends of that city in their Yearly M e e t i n g of 1851 w h e n ,
5" 2
their m i n u t e s (of M a y 2 6 ) records
fj*The subject of providing for the children of
Friends the advantage of a religious and g u a r d e d literary education claimed the attention of this M e e t i n g , a n d under a conviction of the vast importance of such a n education to the y o u t h of our S o c i e t y , a n d to the Society itself in future y e a r s , the Meeting felt a n engagement to recommend to the Quarterly Meetings to forward to t h ^ M e e t • ing next year a n account of the state of schools w i t h i n their l i m i t s , at w h i c h the
If "the darkest hour" was b e f o r e L i n c o l n ' s election, M a r t h a T y s o n is probably
meant; if it w a s after the Civil W a r b e g a n , L u c r e t i a M o t t is p r o b a b l y m e a n t .
Lucretia Mott attended the Friends' Boarding-school at N i n e P a r t n e r s , N . Y . , in
1806-08 from h e r 14th to her 16th y e a r , a n d taught in that k school two years
l o n g e r . T h e Friends' Intelligencer of Sixth M o . 1 4 , 1862 (VolJ£,jj.216)
' 7
*
* announces\announces^
2 3 S
/f./ojj
'
(Footnote N o . j^, c o n t i n u e d )
that "Lucretia M o t t , of P h i l a d e l p h i a M o n t h l y M e e t i n g , (Eace s t . , ) has o b t a i n e d a
m i n u t e of concurrence, w i t h a p r o s p e c t she h a s of a t t e n d i n g some of the Quarterly
Meetings in P h i l a d e l p h i a Y e a r l y M e e t i n g , and a p p o i n t i n g some m e e t i n g s w i t h i n tts
limits."
During that dark summer a n d autumn of 1 8 6 2 , w e can p i c t u r e h e r a p p e a l i n g
for devotion to the p r i n c i p l e of p e a c e , a n d can w e l l suppose that she u t i l i z e d
thes4 visits also (if not the m e e t i n g s t h e m s e l v e s ) for a d v o c a t i n g the establishment
of the p r o p o s e d new s c h o o l .
^Extracts*, 1851, p p . 1 7 - / 8 .
)
-
SB. -
children of F r i e n d s a r e receiving their education; the n u m b e r of children of an
age suitable to a t t e n d school; a n d whether they a r e a l l in a w a y to a c q u i r e the
| necessary p o r t i o n of school learning.-*"
T h e s e statistics w e r e reported during the 1 8 5 0 ' s , a n d in 1 8 6 0 the "Women's
M e e t i n g took the further step of p r o p o s i n g a standing J o i n t C o m m i t t e e on E d u c a t i o n .
To this p r o p o s a l thettpn's M e e t i n g a g r e e d , a n d a p p o i n t e d o n the committee thirtyseven F r i e n d s , o f w h o m "Jon
11
Thorne" w a s the last n a m e d .
T h e next y e a r , M a y 2 9 , 1 8 6 1 ,
S3
the joint Committee p r e s e n t e d to the Y e a r l y M e e t i n g the f o l l o w i n g report;
•^Report - T h a t they h a v e g i v e n careful a t t e n t i o n to the subject a n d in consideration of the w e i g h t y responsibility that devolves on S o c i e t y in p r o v i d i n g suita b l e a c c o m m o d a t i o n s for the e d u c a t i o n of its m e m b e r s , a deep concern w a s m a n i f e s t e d
] for the establishment of suitable S c h o o l s u n d e r the care of F r i e n d s , that o u r y o u t h
\ m i g h t be instructed in the m a i n t e n a n c e of our v a r i o u s Christian testimonies while
)
?! they a r e p u r s u i n g their studies in l i t e r a t u r e and s c i e n c e .
i
* B u t way does n o t open at p r e s e n t to recommend (to the Y e a r l y Meeting"} a n y
I
\ p l a n for carrying out the p r o p o s e d object a n d the Committee a r e not p r e p a r e d to report
m o r e fully on the s u b j e c t .
behalf of the C o m m i t t e e
T h o m a s F o u l k e , R a c h e l Hicks."
This discouraging note w a s s t r u c k , no d o u b t , b e c a u s e of the Civil W a r w h i c h
h a d b e g u n one m o n t h b e f o r e .
T h e E p i s t l e w h i c h the Y e a r l y M e e t i n g sent at this time
tp P h i l a d e l p h i a Y e a r l y M e e t i n g strikes the same n o t e , a s follows:
"Meeting a t a
time of g r e a t o u t w a r d commotion a n d s t r i f e , w h e n the w a r - c r y is h e a r d in the l a n d ,
when brother is a r r a y e d against b r o t h e r in deadly s t r i f e , when the children of one
common Father (the w o r k m a n s h i p of h i s Holy h a n d )
i ^r--
Manuscript M i n u t e s of H . Y . Y e a r l y M e e t i n g , 1 8 4 6 - 1 8 7 2 , ^ . 319 - 2 0 .
f
Ibid, p . 326.
jot)
-
25 -
Six months sarlier, as we have seen, Martha T y s o n , Benjamin Hallowell a n d
JU+
their c o m p a n i o n ^ b r o u g h t their appeal for a i d to the Friends of Hew York; and it
was well that they a p p e a l e d to them individually, a n d not to the Yearly M e e t i n g .
For the latter body's Committee on Education not only made^fcGB adverse report in
1 8 6 1 , but again in 1862 reported that "way does not open to recommend to the Yearly
ss
Meeting any definite plan of a c t i o n to be p u r s u e d in a Yearly Meeting capacity."
This report of the committee, which was a p p r o v e d b y the m e e t i n g , was interpreted, at
least by the optimists, a s throwing their influence "in favor of the project for a
joint school of Friends of the three Yearly M e e t i n g s , outsidd the organization of the
Society."
a
The unofficial committee of Friends in Hew Y o r k was for a time itself discouraged in the task of building a large new educational institution at a ^ i a e ^ w h e n
the fate of the country tteetf- appeared to be hanging in the b a l a n c e . The Friends'
Intelligencer of Sixth M o . 1 5 , 1 8 6 1 , carried the following ec^torial note on "The
P r o p o s e d Boarding S c h o o l " ^ , ^ ^ U n * c ^ k u ^
JYju^t ^ r i ^ L >
^ D u r i n g the w e e k of the late New Y o r k Y e a r l y M e e t i n g , the H e w Y o r k portion of
the Committee on Education a n d the subject of the new Boarding School met according
to appointment, and adopted the following minute;
-
Ibid. P . 3 4 0 .
JOX1
Fglends' Intelligencer (Sixth M o . 7 , 1 8 6 2 ) , V o l . \ i # , f , 2 0 0 .
Vol.
p . 217.
A
'
S e e
m
{
0 (o
-
-
jf* The Interesting subject w h i c h h a s engaged the a t t e n t i o n of the Committee
was again carefully c o n s i d e r e d , a n d a f t e r a free e x p r e s s i o n of o p i n i o n , it w a s the
united judgment of those p r e s e n t , that w a y did not now o p e n to m a k e a n y attempt to
obtain subscriptions to carry f o r w a r d the w o r k .
'The clerk w a s directed to f o r w a r d a copy of this m i n u t e to the Committees
of P h i l a d e l p h i a a n d B a l t i m o r e .
'Then a d j o u r n e d to m e e t in one y e a r , u n l e s s sooner c a l l e d together by the
clerk.'V
It w a s p e r h a p s to counterbalance the a b o v e discouraging n e w s from N e w Y o r k
that the Intelligencer p r i n t e d immediately b e l o w its statement of it the f o l l o w i n g
item taken from the D e l a w a r e County
•^The Great Seminary.-
— ^
^ T h e fireside is a seminary of infinite i m p o r t a n c e .
It is important b e c a u s e it
is u n i v e r s a l , a n d b e c a u s e the education it b e s t o w s , b e i n g w o v e n in w i t h the w o o f of
childhood, gives form a n d texture to the w h o l e color of l i f e .
T h e r e a r e few who can
receive the h o n o r s of a c o l l e g e , b u t all a r e graduates of the h e a r t h .
The l e a r n i n g of
the u n i v e r s i t y m a y fade from the recollection; its classic l o r e m a y m o u l d e r in the h a l l s
of m e m o r y .
But the simple l e s s o n s of hoijje, e n a m e l l e d u p o n the heart of c h i l d h o o d , defy
the rust of y e a r s , a n d outlive the m o r e m a t u r e b u t less vivid p i c t u r e s of after d a y s .
So d e e p , so l a s t i n g , i n d e e d , are the impressions of early l i f e , that y o u o f t e n see a
nan in the imbecility of a g e h o l d i n g fresh in his recollection the events of c h i l d h o o d ,
while a l l the w i d e space b e t w e e n that and. the p r e s e n t h o u r is a b l a s t e d a n d forgotten
waste.
Y o u h a v e , p e r c h a n c e , seen an Qld a n d h a l f - o b l i t e r a t e d p o r t r a i t , and in the
attempt to have it cleaned a n d r e s t o r e d , y o u h a v e seen it fade a w a y , while a b r i g h t e r
and m o r e perfect p i c t u r e , p a i n t e d b e n e a t h , is r e v e a l e d to the v i e w .
Ibid,"p/ 217.
Tlis p o r t r a i t ,
>°1
-
25*
-
j first drawn u p o n the c a n v a s s , is n o inapt illustrated" of y o u t h ; a n d though it m a y
be concealed b y some other d e s i g n , still the o r i g i n a l traits w i l l shine through the
outward p i c t u r e , g i v i n g it tone w h i l e f r e s h , a n d surviving it i n d e c a y .
Such is the
f i r e s i d e , the great institution f u r n i s h e d b y P r o v i d e n c e for the education of m a n . ^
—p-vt-
J
I
B a l t i m o r e F r i e n d s felt in a p e c u l i a r degree the difficulties a n d discouragements in which the Civil W a r involved them; a n d even theirHfomen's Y e a r l y M e e t i n g , in
O c t o b e r , 1 8 6 1 , w i t h M a r g a r e t E . Hallowell as c l e r k , w r o t e a s f o l l o w s to their sisters
II
in P h i l a d e l p h i a : Jfit is u n d e r feelings of deep d i s c o u r a g e m e n t , dear sisters, that w e
now a d d r e s s y o u .
W e feel that in o u r impoverished s t a t e , w e h a v e n o t h i n g to offer y o u -
. "but u n b o u n d e d l o v e .
•'"Surrounded a s we arejby circumstances of the m o s t exciting c h a r a c t e r , we esteem it an inestimable p r i v i l e g e that the t o s e e d a n d a g i t a t e d m i n d m a y still find an
A r a r a t u p o n w h i c h to r e p o s e .
-jK)ur a n n u a l m e e t i n g is u n u s u a l l y s m a l l .
W e deeply feel the a b s e n c e of those
who have b e e n p r e v e n t e d by events of the m o s t p a i n f u l nature from a s s e m b l i n g w i t h u s .
We miss their counsel and their a i d .
B u t we also feel re-assured b y the h o p e that G o d
'will not cast u s a w a y from H i s p r e s e n c e , or t a k e h i s H o l y Spirit from u ^ .
dfWe h a v e b e e n favored w i t h the company of but few of o u r d e a r s i s t e r s , w h o s e
m i s s i o n is to p r o c l a i m the g o s p e l of C h r i s t . S t i l l , the b r e a d of life has b e e n freely
d i s p e n s e d , and w e h a v e realized its soul-sustaining
influence.
4*The m a n y deficiencies w h i c h seem to p r e v a i l over the b o d y at l a r g e , introduced the m e e t i n g into m u c h exercise; a n d w e were a f f e c t i o n a t e l y u r g e d to a m o r e faithful
m a i n t e n a n c e of the various testimonies of the S o c i e t y . - - ~ -
•®With 6ui^>est wishes, dear Bisters, for an advancement in all works of right-
eousness, we bid you affectionately, farewell.^
9Z-
C-JUO^U**.
-(SLtr^-Uy^/? J 1 LI
T h e Civil W a r , h o w e v e r , w a s not the ^>nly o b s t a c l e in the pefcli of Friends
nJU^caJtJy
towards the establishment of their c o l l e g e .
O b s t a c l e s of other k i n d s a r e N i n the follow-
—
m
£Ci —
ing illuminating letter of E d w a r d P a r r i s h to B e n j a m i n H a l l o w e l l , d a t e d ^ S P h i l a d e l p h i a
6a
3 m o 1 7 , 1861:
^Este^med Friend
Benjamin Hallowell.
" ^ h e school p r o j e c t in w h i c h I k n o w thee h a s so deep an intere s t , has taken one further step a n d I believe friends generally who have b e e n concerned in it thus f a r , h a v e settled d o w n to the conclusion that the funds to b e raised
wSll be f o r t h c o m i n g ^
& the p r o j e c t will b e likely to b e carried o u t .
The views
held out at our late m e e t i n g develop two difficulties w h i c h a p p e a r to require early
a t t e n t i o n , even before the c o l l e c t i o n s , or rather s u b s c r i p t i o n s , a r e m a d e . ^ T h e
^
G-trtAMy-
S^cM-rtri. ^ J
most important of these relates to the g r a d e ^ of i n s t r u c t i o n a i m e d a t , m a n y of our
^friends from the Country seem to h a v e an idea that w e are g o i n g to have a common
b o a r d i n g School in w h i c h the ordinary grammar school studies w i l l b e p u r s u e d in the
ordinary w a y , while others supposed that the idea w a s to e s t a b l i s h a j y o r m a l school
and College.
T h y views w e r e the subject of some d i s c u s s i o n & w e r e differently con-
strued b y different speakers - The final conclusion seemed to be that the new school
was to cover the whole ground & to a c c o m m o d a t e children in a p r e p a r a t o r y department
& a m o r e a d v a n c e d class in a Collegiate a n d N o r m a l d e p a r t m e n t .
*"ln the a b s e n c e of a n y experience a b o u t i t , I h a d supposed that
it w o u l d b e difficult to a c c o m m o d a t e b o t h classes in the establishment u n l e s s b y
m a k i n g it quite extensive a n d w i t h a double corps of t e a c h e r s ,
I have also felt a
satisfaction in the feeling that a h i g h school such a s was C o n t e m p l a t e d , so far
from superseding the numerous a n d excellent schools now in O p e r a t i o n , w o u l d give
them an impetus by creating a g r e a t e r tastefor l e a r n i n g in the society at l a r g e , a n d
would.also improve their facilities for p r o c u r i n g competent t e a c h e r s .
The interest
of the numerous class directly & indirectly interested in b o a r d i n g schools will b e
G
-
T h e original of this letter a n d of B e n j a m i n H a l l o w e l l ' s reply are p r e s e r v e d in
F r i e n d s ' Historical L i b r a r y of Swarthmore C o l l e g e .
/of
- -£g
-
directly against the p r o p o s e d school if it is -understood that the large f u n d to b e
raised is to b e a p p l i e d to cheapening a n d improving the b r a n c h of E d u c a t i o n noy in
their h a n d s .
I find that some who w o u l d b e l i k e l y to b e l a r g e Contributors to a
high school feel little o r no interest i n any o t h e r , w h i l e there a r e certainly m a n y
friends, especially in the c o u n t r y , w h o are v e r y fearful of the influence of a l i b e r a l
education & even fear it m a y in some u n d e f i n e d w a y w e a k e n the forCe of Friends
principles & t e s t i m o n i e s .
3t
T h e other difficulty that w a s p r e s e n t e d w a s only imaginary & I t h i n k
not likely to p r o v e a n y serious drawback to the e n t e r p r i z e , it w a s a n idea that the
simultaneous training of the intellectual & m o r a l faculties r e f e r r e d to in thy a d d r e s s
covered some k i n d of religious t r a i n i n g , obnoxious to the views of some f r i e n d s .
I
should s t a t e , h o w e v e r , that w h i l e this v i e w m 8 t w i t h b u t little encouragement I h a v e
since h e a r d a very strong testimony f r o m a friend of great experience a n d excellent
judgment to the importance of this feature in a g u a r d e d education; the b a l a n c e , h e s a y s ,
of the Intellectual jSferal & j ^ e l i g i o u s development is of >ofe,stly g r e a t e r importance t h a n
great a t t a i n m e n t s , in the i n t e l l e c t u a l , e s p e c i a l l y .
I t o o k o c c a s i o n to speak dur.oit
ing the l a t e m e e t i n g of Herbert Spencer's w o r k a n d f « r e n d , next d a y , that so m a n y h a d
b e e n bought that one friend h a d to go to four o r five b o o k stores before he found a n y
& I engaged to furnish several with copies at a l o w p r i c e , directly from the publishers.
M y b r o t h e r Dillwyn showed m e a reference to this w o r k in a letter from thee
to him & I w a s g l a d to find it m e t thy a p p r o v a l a s it had impressed m e w i t h a sense o f
its superiority to anj'thing I h a d b e f o r e m e t w i t h o n the s u b j e c t .
Through Prof.
Youmans w h o , by the w a y , is one of the most e n t h u s i a s t i c a d v o c a t e s of Educational
reform & has p r o m i s e d u s a lecture o n the subject in this c i t y , I learned that a
clergyman named M e r r e l l h a s w r i t t e n a n essay especially directed a g a i n s t the study of
Iiatin at the expense of writing a n d speaking E n g l i s h , w h i c h he directed to b e published & distributed g r a t u i t o u s l y b y h i s E x e c u t o r s , h a v i n g d e c e a s e d .
A n y one m a y
-
-
tain a copy without cost b y a d d r e s s i n g A B o r d m a n H u m b e r t , S a l e m , W a M n g t o n
Tork.
II*
Co.
I find it less directly to the p o i n t , w h i c h a p p e a r s to m e m i s t i m p o r t a n t ,
at of developing the p o w e r s of o b s e r v a t i o n , than Spencer's but it is valuable at
rnishing arguments against the common curriculum of College
studies.
^ A f t e r what I have written at the C o m m e n c e m e n t of t h i s , somewhat too l e n g t h y ,
istle, about the question of the grade of school it is p r o p o s e d to e r e c t , I m a y
TJ
ke the liberty of suggesting that a n a s s a y w h i c h the e d i t o ^ of the F r i e n d s Intellincer w o u l d be very g l a d to receive from t h e e , m i g h t do g o o d b y p o i n t i n g out the adntages of at least giving p r o m i n e n c e to the N o r m a l & Collegiate d e p a r t m e n t s , w h i c h I
derstood to be thy design & e x p l a i n i n g h o w f a r a p r e l i m i n a r y department w o u l d b e
ofitabljr connected with it - Thy early connection with the concern w o u l d give to a n y
ticle over thy signature considerable influence & p e r h a p s tend to the settlement of
e m i s u n d e r s t a n d i n g before it goes a n y f u r t h e r .
^ I
h o p e thee will not c o n s i d e r a n y a n s w e r to m e n e c e s s a r y - I a m p r o m p t e d by
warm interest in the concern to lay these v i e w s b e f o r e thee & thee will b e the b e s t
dge of whether a n y t h i n g further is required in the p r e s e n t stage of the a f f a i r .
Thy friend,
^
Edward P a r r i s h . ^
Inffreply to this l i t t e r , B e n j a m i n H a l l o w e l l wrote the f o l l o w i n g s t a t e m e n t ,
1
a r a c t e r i z e d by the u s u a l w i s d o m a n d p r e c i s i o n of h i s thought: *Be4e«me€b-^ rTe«dw__Saadj2:
.
*
.ft,
^
^
S^-U^,
3- AVN-C-. z i l^/SC,
I
8
ring Mfl. 3 m u . S I * i B ^ T ' T h y favAr of the 1 7 ^ is r e d e i v e d , a n d a l t h o u g h I a m just
iout to leave h o m e for some weeks u n d e r a p p o i n t m e n t of our last Y e a r l y M e e t i n g , I felt
i if I m u s t w r i t e thee a few lines in reply a l t h o u g h it will h a v e to b e h u r r i e d l y d o n e .
am truly gratified to h e a r y o u h a v e arrived a t the encouraging conclusion
i regard to the "School" that the * f u n d s to b e r a i s e d w i l l b e f o r t h c o m i n g , a n d that
le project will b e likely to b e carried o u t " . It a p p e a r s to m e very important in this
>vement, that w e take but one step at a t i m e , a n d concentrate a l l our thoughts a n d
/ft
caution to taking i_t in w i s d o m .
-
SSi -
There are five successive p o i n t s of i n q u i r y , a s it
has seemed to m e .
•net
Do F r i e n d s as a b o d y feel the want of such an Institution a s it has "been
proposed to establish?
*"2nd
Can w e establish it?
that i s , can sufficient m e a n s b e raised for the
*3rd
W h e n shall it b e commenced?
*4th
W h e r e shall it b e located ?
purpose?
^Lastly.
W h a t is the b e s t p l a n u p o n w h i c h to conduct i t , so as m o s t to supply
the w a n t s and subserve the interests of Society?
!
* To the first i n q u i r y , a response h a s b e e n returned in the a f f i r m a t i v e , w i t h a
inanimity, greatly b e y o n d a n y thing that w a s e x p e c t e d , a n d frofet thy letter it w o u l d
appear a s if the second w a s answered; but m £ m i n d w o u l d feel e a s i e r , w e r e there m o r e
positive evidence of this on subscription lists^and I think it w o u l d b e b e s t to concen-
aU/
trate attention^on this p o i n t , f o r if w e fail h e r e , a l l discussion of other p o i n t s ,
30 far as the Institution is c o n c e r n e d , w o u l d b e u s e l e s s , a n d m i g h t b e i n j u r i o u s , a s
the discussion of a b s t r a c t i o n s too f r e q u e n t l y a r e .
^ W h a t e v e r is contributed to this interesting o b j e c t , m $ s t b e e n t r u s t e d , in
good f a i t h , to the integrity of p u r p o s e of those w i t h whom we a c t . The a t t e m p t n o w to
iraw up a C o n s t i t u t i o n , in order to define a n d l i m i t our future g o v e r n m e n t , it seems to
ae w o u l d b e wholly p r e m a t u r e .
We hope the I n s t i t u t i o n , if e s t a b l i s h e d , m a y b e a n
Instrument of g o o d to the p r e c i o u s y o u t h of our Society f o r Centuries^ a n d to p r e s c r i b e
Lts definite objects a n d o f f i c e s , at the p r e s e n t s t a g e , m i g h t b e a serious impediment
;o its u s e f u l n e s s .
Its m a n a g e m e n t will be entrusted to a number of judicious F r i e n d s
)f each sex, no doubt from different sections of the three Yearly M e e t i n g s , from time
;o time chosen, who will thus b e a b l e to k n o w the v i e w s a n d w i s h e s of F r i e n d s g e n e r a l l y ,
ind w i l l plaoethe I n s t i t u t i o n , a n d h a v e it c o n d u c t e d , o n that p l a n w h i c h w i l l b e s t m e e t
;he wants of S o c i e t y .
A n y p l a n that m a y at first b e a d o p t e d , experience a n d change
>f circumstances, m a y require a f t e r w a r d s to b e m a t e r i a l l y m o d i f i e d .
If confidence in
— .56' —
ach o t h e r , D i v i n e l o v e in our h e a r t s , a n d h u n b l e o b e d i e n c e to the teachings of a n d
Imonitions of T r u j ^ , do not k e e p u s together a s a b a n d of brothers a n d sisters, no
institution will be strong enough to h o l d u s .
A l l that is n e e d e d for hammonious a n d
trong a c t i o n , is confidence in each o t h e r , a n d in the p o w e r of T r u t h .
•IfI do not think the p o i n t s stated to h a v e c l a i m e d a t t e n t i o n at y o u r last
meting, n e e d b g the sources of any d i f f i c u l t y .
If the concern is a right o n e , a n d B e s t
Lsdom is humbly sought for in its p r o s e c u t i o n ,
a s I h a v e confidence to believe w i l l
3 the c a s e , _it can h u r t no right t h i n g .
T h e interest of those c o n c e r n e d in smaller
jarding S c h o o l s , w i l l in no w a y b e injured b u t rather p r o m o t e d from the a w a k e n i n g
f great a t t e n t i o n throughout S o c i e t y , to the important subject of E d u c a t i o n .
® T h e two great wants u n d e r w h i c h w e n o w l a b o r , a r e , g o o d n e i g h b o r h o o d schools,
ider the charge of w e l l e d u c a t e d a n d efficient f r i e n d T e a c h e r s , a n d a S c h o o l w h e r e
lr y o u n g m e m b e r s can o b t a i n , if they desire i t r a thorough a n d finished education,
ader the guardianship of S o c i e t y .
B e f o r e the first w a n t can b e
ist b e p r o v i d e d ; they a r e not n o w to b e h a d .
supplied,Teachers
T i l l such schools a r e p r e t t y generally
stablished throughout F r i e n d s ' s e t t l e m e n t s , it is h a r d l y to b e supposed there w i l l b e
ae h u n d r e d y o u n g p e r s o n s of each sex p r e p a r e d to enter a f i n i s h i n g s c h o o l .
•"Perhaps for:some y e a r s , scholars in p r e p a r a t o r y classes w i l l have to be adLtted, a n d trained in accordance w i t h our p l a n .
T h e n as good S c h o o l s , u n d e r Teachers
iucated in the I n s t i t u t i o n , m u l t i p l y in F r i e n d s ' s e t t l e m e n t s , a n d that natural imrovement in Friends p r i v a t e B o a r d i n g Schools consequent u p o n such a n Institution a s we
a.ve in v i e w , the n e c e s s i t y for p r e p a r a t o r y Classes in the I n s t i t u t i o n , w i l l d i m i n i s h ,
ad one difficulty thou m e n t i o n e d w i l l b e a u t i f u l l y solve i t s e l f .
Institution m u s t , from its c o m m e n c e m e n t , possess facilities
liberal a n d extensive course of study to such as desire to do s o , equal to that of
tie b e s t Institutions of learning in our Country^ , in w h i c h different P r o f e s s o r s , each
eeply interested in h i s p a r t i c u l a r b r a n c h of k n o w l e d g e , w o u l d impart their enthusiasm
o the s t u d e n t s , and a w a k e n ejnorresponding a r d o u r , the combined effect of which w o u l d
e a n impress m o s t favourable for thehealthy development of the m i n d a n d h e a r t .
All
— ^ 1/ —•
>uld be affectionately encouraged to a n a c q u a i n t a n c e w i t h , a n d obedience t o , those
srnal principles of right a n d justice w h i c h exist w h e r e v e r h u m a n i t y is, a n d raise
1 to h i s true sphere of dignity a n d u s e f u l n e s s .
W h i l e these p r i n c i p l e s lie at the
nidation^ of all the righteous testimonies w h i c h w e a s a Society h o l d , they free
3ir p o s s e s s o r s from the n a r r o w spirit of Sectarianism^ a n d the imparting of a k n o w l e d g e
t h e m , a s far as this can b e d o n e , could not constitute a ' r e l i g i o u s training obnoxisl to the m i n d of a n y true F r i e n d .
"I have great a n d increasing confidence in the Good B e i n g , a n d in H i s direction
this is humbly sought for: a n d I a m f u l l y convinced if those interested in this conm , w i l l steadily l o o k to H i m for
direction a n d h e l p in a l l our movements t h e r e i n ,
.ch it is certainly our p r i v i l e g e a n d duty to d o , each one h a v i n g no point to c a r r y ,
; striving h o w m u c h of his own v i e w s h e can give u p without sacrificing p r i n c i p l e ,
l/pirat
desiring whatever will b e m o s t conducive to the w e l f a r e of S o c i e t y , a n d p a r -
rularly to the rising g e n e r a t i o n , a l l difficulties will d i s a p p e a r , a n d w e w i l l b e
.e to m o v e onward h a r m o n i o u s l y in the interesting concern a u n i t e d b a n d , encouraging
L strengthening one a n o t h e r .
That this m a y h a p p i l y b e the case is the ardent w i s h
T h y Sincere frd
T Parrish
Ji (r^Lt^JL
*„
/rv
"
s
v^^yC^AX.
.
. BENJ
?
N
HA1L0WELE*
The diverse views taken of the course of instruction to b e offered in the n e w
tool a r e further b r o u g h t out in a n a r t i c l e (and a reply to i t ) contributed to the .
•ends' Intelligencer
of J u n e 1 5 , 1 8 6 1 , entitled "Education in the Society of F r i e n d s " A (
, a n d d a t e d "Hew Y o r k , 5 t h m o . , 1861."
The first p a r a g r a p h of this article w a s a s
CI
. l o w s : ^ I t h a s been the immemorial tradition of the Society of F r i e n d s that Seats of
i-ming, or institutions for the cultivation of what are called "elegant studies'^ as
c r i t i c i s m , l a n g u a g e s , p h i l o s o p h y a n d l i t e r a t u r e , can have no p l a c e in a scheme of
ictical Christian2 1 1e d u c a2 t i o n f o r their c h i l d r e n .
~' -
rt^Lu
O u r p r a c t i c e h a s b e e n to fit o u r sons
Tout
y ^ C
" t a ,
u s i n e s s , a n d our daughters for the humble economies of the h o u s e h o l d .
.
It is w e l l
m e m b e r that the care of the f a m i l y , the supply of its m a t e r i a l w a n t s , is a p r i m a r y
a n d the applause w h i c h our Society has w o n from the best p a r t of m e n , for s o b r i e t y ,
ty a n d thrift in the common b u s i n e s s of l i f e , jtLstifies our h i g h a p p r e c i a t i o n of
obligation.^"""
M ~
/
rtnrt- ^ X
"X^u. A i ^ ,
*
-
/
•
.I
/
T h e rest of the article was of a very different tenor; but " A Subscriber"
took
i»
first p a r a g r a p h from its context a n d w r o t e of it to the I n t e l l i g e n c e r a s follows;
he last article w h i c h a p p e a r e d u p o n the s u b j e c t , I f i n d the f o l l o w i n g sensible sumof what has heretofore b e e n the p r a c t i c e of F r i e n d s in the education of their child• Our p r a c t i c e has been to fit our sons for b u s i n e s s , and our daughters for the humconomies of the h o u s e h o l d . '
tffhat more or better can we do?
what if we do not give to the w o r l d c h e m i s t s ,
nthropists, a s t r o n o m e r s , statesmen or poets?
not do more?
If w e give h o n e s t , u s e f u l men a n d w o m e n
A r e not such m e n a n d w o m e n the 'very leaven' of a l l society?
ne them a n d their influence to the commercial community?
Why
A n d I a m not so sure 'that
aintenance of our religious p r i n c i p l e s , that o u r p e r s o n a l p u r i t y , that our social
siveness are in no way conditional u p o n this p l a i n life of ours.*
To m e a l l these
r to form the elements f r o m w h i c h we s p r u n g , a n d a n y departure therefrom is m o s t a p t ,
perience has fully s h o w n , to l e a d u s into a dangerous conformity to the w o r l d .
" ^ e , a s a p e o p l e , p r o f e s s to b e g u i d e d b y the l i g h t .
danger of its being p l a c e d u n d e r a b u s h e l .
If we h a v e the l i g h t , there
N e i t h e r is it p o s s i b l e for us to edu-
>ur children into any of the coveted p o s i t i o n s , so h i g h l y v a l u e d b y the writer of
jmraunication.
^P&eorge Pox was not educated for a R e f o r m e r , n o r W m . P e n n for a Quaker p r e a c h e r ,
f w e are indebted m a i n l y to 'the learning of B a r c l a y ' for the 'ascendancy' w h i c h
1
:ism h a s obtained 'over e d u c a t e d m i n d s , ' w h a t b e c o m e s of the first p r i n c i p l e s of
rism?^
That this w a s a m i s i n t e r p r e t a t i o n of "L's" a r t i c l e is apparent from the f o l l o w i n g
rarih<\ "But life has other duties beside the g e t t i n g a l i v e l i h o o d ; a n d w h e n this
^^
' 1S6^"Subscriber>'
a * ticie was
^ted.
^ ^ - W ^ ^ ^ l ^ a ^ c J
^
C
/nptt^
^ • t o r j * '
t
a
1
'
1
s
(/*
3/7j
uf
-
S3* -
'irst and. imperative duty h a s been a d e q u a t e l y p e r f o r m e d , then others spring up to v i e w ,
nd become conspicuous in every generous m i n d . T h i s is because m a n is something m o r e than
aterial; because society is something m o r e than a n a g g r e g a t i o n .
M a n is a creature of
ublime a n d u n m e a s u r e d f a c u l t i e s , and by the eyes of e v e r y one of these faculties h e
ooks out through a sphere of surrounding light into a n a l l - e m b r a c i n g immensity of dark
eyond i t .
To w i d e n this sphere of lig^ht by o b s e r v a t i o n , by r e s e a r c h , b y r e f l e c t i o n ,
o encroach further a n d further u p o n the d o m a i n of darkness b y the labors of J u d g m e n t ,
y the labors of I m a g i n a t i o n , a n d , a b o v e a l l , b y the labors of that m o s t precious a n d
ost wonderful g i f t , the spiritual f a c u l t y , is the business a n d the p r i v i l e g e a n d the
lory of m a n .
"^It m a y b e seriously questioned w h e t h e r F r i e n d s h a v e not often discharged inifferently this secondary circle of o b l i g a t i o n s , o r b e e n imperfectly a l i v e to themj
nd it m a y b e further q u e s t i o n e d , w h e t h e r this l a m e n t a b l e failure h a s not been due to
eficiencies in our system of e d u c a t i o n .
Tharugh the p r e a c h i n g of G e o r g e F o x swept
ver E n g l a n d like the fire of a new R e f o r m a t i o n , y e t it w a s m a i n l y the learning of Barclay w h i c h gave Quakerism w h a t e v e r a s c e n d a n c y it h a d o v e r educated m i n d s .
-JR>ur p r a c t i c a l system of school e d u c a t i o n , b o r n e out by a g u a r d e d a n d seclusive
ocial t r a i n i n g , has resulted in this - that o u r Society is rarely represented in the
l m s - h o u s e , the p e n i t e n t i a r y , the h o s p i t a l , the h o m e f o r the i n e b r i a t e , f r i e n d l e s s ,
a.
nfirm, a n d the like; n o r , on the other h a n d , in the l e g i & l t i v e h a l l s , on the b e n c h ,
A
n the p r o f e s s o r ' s c h a i r , nor in the l o f t i e r w a l k s of l i t e r a t u r e , science,or a r t .
re p r o v e r b i a l l y a t h r i v i n g , h o n e s t , sober a n d innocuous p e o p l e .
We
L i t t l e given to specu-
lating, d a y - d r e a m i n g , t h e o r i z i n g , p h i l o s o p h i z i n g e v e n , we k n u c k l e down w i t h quiet conent to the labors of common l i f e , a n d carry o u r s e l v e s , h o t w i t h stolid endurance a s
earing b u r d e n s , b u t , w i t h cheerful p a t i e n c e , as though building a h o u s e w e are to live
n.
S u c h a p e o p l e , though a m e r e h a n d f u l , a r e u n d o u b t e d l y the v e r y l e a v e n of a n
nerican commercial community; bit w h e n it is considered that the m a i n t e n a n c e of o u r
eligious p r i n c i p l e s , that o u r p e r s o n a l p u r i t y , that our social e x c l u s i v e n e s s , are in no
w a y conditional u p o n this p l a i n life of o u r s , there is cause for regret that we
are n o t h i n g m o r e .
N o w and t h e n , i n d e e d , w e h a v e b r o k e n o v e r the b o u n d s , and given to
the new chemistry a D a l t o n , to m o r a l science a D y m o n d , to p h i l a n t h r o p y a n E l i z a b e t h
Fry and a n Isaac T . H o p p e r , to p o e t r y a W h i t t i e r , to a s t r o n o m y a M a r i a Mitchell.N^Let u s
not turn our b a c k u p o n these a s p i r a t i o n s through a n y fear that it w i l l lead u s to a
'conformity to the w o r l d . '
1
In no just Scriptural sense is such a fear well-grounded! *
The Intelligencer tried too set\"Subscriber , y*jgfai& in the f o l l o w i n g e d i t o r i a l ,
which a p p e a r e d in the same issue w i t h h i s article}*"
^ W e insert the remarks of "A S u b s c r i b e r " , though w e think h e h a s m i s u n d e r s t o o d
the bearing of the communication h e refers t o .
T h e duty of u s i n g a n d cultivating ih
their p r o p e r order A L L the faculties b e s t o w e d u p o n u s b y a benevolent C r e a t o r , a p p e a r s ,
in the p r e s e n t d a y , to be generally a d m i t t e d .
A s to H O W this
desirable result m a y b e
o b t a i n e d , a n d w h a t system of training is b e s t a d a p t e d to develope the W H O L E nature p h y s i c a l , intellectual and spiritual - there m a y be a difference of o p i n i o n , and therefore room for d i s c u s s i o n .
^ T h e cultivation of the intellectual f a c u l t i e s , a n d of the 'sense of duty" to
the Great G i v e r , for the right U S E of a l l h i s g i f t s , so far from c o n f l i c t i n g , a r e in
harmony w i t h each other; b e c a u s e , if the training h a s b e e n a right o n e , the degree
of a c c o u n t a b i l i t y is increased w i t h the enlargement of the u n d e r s t a n d i n g .
fQnxc friend a s k s , 'what if w e do not give to the w o r l d c h e m i s t s , a s t r o n o m e r s ,
statesmen a n d poets?
If we g i v e h o n e s t , u s e f u l m e n a n d w o m e n , do we not do m o r e ? '
He cannot surely think that c h e m i s t s , a s t r o n o m e r s , statesmen a n d p o e t s cannot also be
useful a n d h o n e s t m e n a n d womenl
'child-like sage.'
N e w t o n , on a c c o u n t of his h u m i l i t y , w a s called t$e
W a s W m . F e n n less U S E F U L b e c a u s e h e w a s a statesman?
truth less attractive when set forth in the b e a u t i f u l language of poetry?
Is religious
The writ-
ings of B a r c l a y , a n d in m o r e m o d e r n times those of D y m o n d , though not free from d e f e c t s ,
l
jr-
Ibid, p . 2 6 4 .
" 7
are p r o o f s that the 'first p r i n c i p l e s o f Quakerism*
*
JSk
m a y b e commended to
-
'cultivated
M i n d s ' by b e i n g shown to b e consistent w i t h the doundest p r i n c i p l e s of reason.**'
To m a k e h i s (or h e r ) m e a n i n g doubly c l e a r , "L" contributed a n o t h e r atticle
to the Intelligencer of Seventh M o . 2 0 , 1 8 6 1 , w h i c h contained the following sentences: IfThe friend i n q u i r e s , quoting from m y c o m m o x d c a t i o n , f'-If w e are indebted
m a i n l y to ^the learning of Barclay* for the ^ascendancy* which Q u a k e r i s m has obtained
fover educated minds.> what b e c o m e s of the first 'principles of Quakerism?
strong a n d p o p u l a r .
m a n y of the educated c l a s s e s .
It d i d not reach
T h e y in general d e s p i s e d the ignorant fanatic clothed
in l e a t h e r , who w a n d e r e d a b o u t h o m e l e s s and o f t e n h o u s e l e s s , stirring u p sedition
against the established c h u r c h .
But B a r c l a y w a s a s c h o l a r .
His l e a r n i n g recommended
h i m to the l e a r n e d , a n d without it they w o u l d n e v e r a s a class h a v e listened to h i m .
W h a t g a v e a s c e n d a n c y to Quakerism Over any m i n d in that day?
In one case it w a s the
p r e a c h i n g of Pox; in a n o t h e r case it w a s the writings of B a r c l a y .
It m a t t e r s n o t to
the m a i n point whether one p r e a c h e d w i t h the p e n or the tongue, b y the syllogism or
the e x h o r t a t i o n .
I do not forget that these m e n w e r e but i n s t r u m e n t s , a n d that the
work w a s done in every case directly by the w i t n e s s f o r truth w i t h i n the m i n d ; b u t
that w i t n e s s w a i t e d to b e a p p e a l e d to b y the p r o p e r i n s t r u m e n t .
dispensable a s the o t h e r .
*
O n e was just as in-
—
^ t f 'our religious p r i n c i p l e s , our p e r s o n a l p u r i t y , our social exclusivenessl
are 'conditional u p o n this p l a i n life of o u r s , ' thus e x p l a i n e d , then one of two things
follows: either 'our religious p r i n c i p l e s , ' e t c . , a r e w r o n g , or culture is wrong;
but neither of these alternatives w i l l p r o b a b l y be a d m i t t e d .
W h a t is culture?
Not
to refine too m u c h , it m a y be said to b e the h i g h e s t employment of a l l the f a c u l t i e s .
Is any one of these incompatible w i t h others?
O u g h t a n y to b e discarded or neglected?
Is the a g g r e g a t e of t h e m , a t w a r w i t h the Spritual faculty?
"l£id, ^ . " 2 9 6 -f 7 .
S u r e l y , surely, they
are all parts of the Divine order and h a r m o n y , a n d there can "be no conflict a m o n g
them.
not.
M u s t every one cultivate a l l h i s f a c u l t i e s , then?
it m a y be a s k e d .
Perhaps
It falls to the lot of ^ e w to h a v e o p p o r t u n i t i e s of complete culture; but w e
nearly all have opportunities of carrying the cultivation of some faculty or faculties to a h i g h degree of d e v e l o p m e n t .
A n d let this b e remembered - w e cannot vigorous-
ly and h a b i t u a l l y employ a n y of our m e n t a l p o w e r s w i t h o u t employing m o r e or less
every o t h e r .
'All a r e b u t p a r t s of one stupendous w h o l e . '
**We have o n l y , t h e n , to feed a r i g h t the m a s t e r - f a c u l t y , a n d a l l the rest w i l l
grow.
What this m a s t e r faculty is, each m i n d m u s t determine for i t s e l f .
iefinition is perhaps^safe
3st p l e a s u r e .
This g e n e r a l
o n e . It is that f a c u l t y w h o s e exercise furnishes the high-
Let m e not b e m i s u n d e r s t o o d .
I a m not speaking of the a p p e t i t e s ,
lor do I say that faculty u h d e r w h o s e p l a y w e m a y be the m o s t comfortable; f o r this
Feeling m a y be due to our love of e a s e , or to our vanity^ —
•
^ l o s t children show v e r y early some bent of m i n d . O n e loves to w h i t t l e , a n d
lammer, a n d 'make things,' in p r e f e r e n c e to s t u d y i n g .
A n o t h e r child loves to cipher
m d r e a d , and h a s no(j hand for the u s e of t o o l s .
O b s e r v e , that each eipploys the facul-
;y whose exercise furnishes the h i g h e s t p l e a s u r e .
A s the educator ought to take these
.ndications of nature for h i s guide in training the y o u n g m i n d , so we ought all to
reigh a n d try our faculties to f i n d out our highest b e n t , that is to s a y , to find out
rhat faculty it is whose exercise gives u s the h i g h e s t p l e a s u r e , a n d m a k e the developlent of that the basis of our scheme of s e l f - e d u c a t i o n , b u i l d i n g the complete structure
rith all the r e s t .
-^There is u n d o u b t e d l y a g r e a t d i f f e r e n c e in dignity a m o n g our intellectual
>owers; a n d those of less dignity ought to b e made subordinate to those of greater diglity.
But we m u s t b e g i n w i t h the m a s t e r f a c u l t y , w h a t e v e r that i s , a n d w o r k up??*
1
T h e a b o v e correspondence is a n evidence of the u n d e r - c u r r e n t of thought a n d
-
-
icussion regarding "the new school" w h i c h m o v e d through the Society during the y e a r
.lowing the discouraging m e e t i n g s of M a y , 1 8 6 1 , in P h i l a d e l p h i a a n d Hew Y o r k .
As
5 P h i l a d e l p h i a Yearly M e e t i n g of 1862 a p p r o a c h e d , the advocates of the school pre*ed to take advantage of the opportunity to revive or p r o m o t e their p r o j e c t .
;ly the,following editorial w a s p r i n t e d in the F r i e n d s
0D
1
Accord-
Intelligencer for Fourth M o .
, 1862:
^ P h e P r o p o s e d School - The a p p r o a c h of o u r Y e a r l y M e e t i n g , a g a i n recalls the
;ject of the p r o p o s e d B o a r d i n g S c h o o l , w h i c h h a s claimed a share of the thoughts of
ty Friends for the p a s t eighteen m o n t h s .
T h e l i v e l y interest d i s p l a y e d at the m e e t -
; of the friends of the m e a s a r e h e l d d u r i n g the Y e a r l y M e e t i n g w e e k of last y e a r , w a s
•y e n c o u r a g i n g .
T h o u g h a l l felt that the time then w a s very u n f a v o r a b l e for r a i s i n g
ley, a n d a m i d the discouragements a n d u n c e r t a i n l y t h r o w n o v e r the future b y the cloud
civil s t r i f e , then at its d a r k e s t , there seemed scarcely room to h o p e that the obit could b e accomplished; y e t , so important w a s the concern regarded,that a n adjournlt was effected w i t h the confident h o p e t h a t , b y a n o t h e r y e a r , a p l a n ijjight b e inaugur3d which w o u l d lead to the u l t i m a t e a c c o m p l i s h m e n t of the o b j e c t .
In reviewing the
jvious efforts for raising f u n d s , it has a p p e a r e d that too m u c h importance was attach*
to obtaining large subscriptions from the w e a l t h y ; t h e s e , h o w e v e r ^ d e s i r ^ a b l e , a r e
; absolutely n e c e s s a r y .
If every F r i e n d in the three Y e a r l y M e e t i n g s of P h i l a d e l -
La, New Y o r k , and B a l t i m o r e , who can afford to b e c o m e a s h a r e h o l d e r , w i l l do s o , w e
ill b e a b l e to m a k e a b e g i n n i n g , a n d m a y leave the a c c u m u l a t i o n of further capital
the spontaneous donations a n d bequests of those w h o feel their responsibility as
swards of a superabundance of this w o r l d ' s g o o d s .
^ T h e origin of this concern a p p e a r s to h a v e b e e n m a i n l y connected w i t h the great
it of competent teachers of y o u t h in o u r religious S o c i e t y , a w a n t e x p e r i e n c e d , p e r h a p s
m o s t neighborhood s c h o o l s , a n d increasing w i t h the constantly a u g m e n t i n g demand for
ligher standard of e d u c a t i o n .
.
If
T h e science of our times cannot b e taught b y the
ide 0systems
which
g r e w u p b e f o r e railroads or t e l e g r a p h s , n o r can the m i n d b e
l
8 9
« ; x % » ft"
7 7
It*
5ft
rained for the w o r k of our "V9l6nderfully p r o g r e s s i v e age a n d country b y the u n t h i n k i n g
rocess of m e m o r i z i n g f a c t s , w h i c h constituted the chief part o f a common school
ducation thirty y e a r s a g o .
m e e t the requirements of an age r a p i d l y p r o g r e s s i n g ih science a n d pracical k n o w l e d g e , w e w a n t a system of education extended to every v i l l a g e a n d neighborooft s c h o o l , w h i c h shall d e v e l o p e in the f o r m i n g m i n d of the y o u n g the u t m o s t capacities
or originality of thought a n d o b s e r v a t i o n .
It is a great m i s t a k e to suppose that pri-
ary schools do not call for a h i g h gra.de of capacity in the t e a c h e r . We h a v e repeatedy endeavored in the Intelligenccer to p o i n t out the fallacy of this p r e v a i l i n g i d e a ,
he initial step in education is the m o s t i m p o r t a n t .
Who does not recognize the fact
n r e l a t i o n to the moral impressions p r o d u c e d on the m i n d of the child?
T h e sooner
lie m o t h e r p l a n t s the seeds of virtue a n d r e l i g i o n , or we should rather s a y , the sooner
he b e g i n s to n u r t u r e the innate love of truth a n d goodness in h e r c h i l d , the m o r e
u r e w i l l she be of a beautiful a n d h e a l t h f u l growth a s life a d v a n c e s ; so w i t h the
eeds of intellectual growth; w e cannot b e g i n too early to p l a n t , a n d w a t e r , and w e e d
his g a r d e n of p r o m i s e , nor can we be too w e l l f i t t e d f o r this delicate charge b y preious culture ourselves.
W h a t we h a v e thus said of teachers a p p l i e s equally w e l l to
o t h e r s upon w h o m so large a share of the training of the y o u n g d e p e n d s .
^ H u n d r e d s of those for w h o m this school was originally p r o j e c t e d m u s t grow p a s t
the age w h e n it can b e of direct a n d immediate u s e to t h e m , b e f o r e , b y the u t m o s t zeal
n d d i s p a t c h , it can go into o p e r a t i o n . L e t u s n e g l e c t it no l o n g e r ; but w h e n the
p p r o a c h i n g m e e t i n g on the subject o c c u r s , let u s individually b e found ready to enter
>n the w o r k of e s t a b l i s h i n g a F r i e n d s ' school w h i c h shall b e in a d v a n c e of those a l r e a d y
l i s t i n g , in all the qualifications for the thorough p h y s i c a l , i n t e l l e c t u a l , a n d m o r a l
-raining of those who are ere long to take our p l a c e s in t2ie sphere of active life.*®*
T h r e e weeks later (Fifth M o . 1 0 , 1862),' a n o t h e r editorial in the Intelligencer
m "The P r o p o s e d New S c h o o l " , a f t e r p r e s e n t i n g an argument in favor of "oral instrucVol
136
;
—
tion, in p r e f e r e n c e to m e r e b o o k l e a r n i n g " , continued, a s follows : ^ t f
JEZ* —
the
new school p r o p o s e d by Friends o f B a l t i m o r e , P h i l a d e l p h i a and N e w Y o r k Y e a r l y
M e e t i n g s could b e successfully e s t a b l i s h e d , w e think one great feature w h i c h
should distinguish i t , should b e increased a t t e n t i o n to l e c t u r i n g and conversation u p o n all the subjects embraced in the p l a n of e d u c a t i o n , forming w i t h the
; study of books a n d p e r i o d i c a l e x a m i n a t i o n s , p a r t s of the p l a n of i n s t r u c t i o n . A n
advantage w h i c h could b e gained in a b o a r d i n g school on this p l a n , w o u l d b e , that
the best teachers could b e employed to lecture to the w h o l e school (which is^consist
of b o t h s e x e s ) , o n the various subjects t a u g h t , w h i l e the examinations m i g h t be conducted in select classes by their respective subordinate or a s s i s t a n t t e a c h e r s ,
—
T h e sciences s h o u l d , a s far as p o s s i b l e , b e taught also b y p r a c t i c a l or experimental
a s w e l l as b y theoretical i n s t r u c t i o n , thus v a r y i n g the exercises of the students
a n d r e m o v i n g to some extent the sedentary character of ordinary school e d u c a t i o n .
^ W h i l e it is of very doubtful u t i l i t y to a t t e m p t a m a n u a l labor s c h o o l , w i t h
a view to lessening the expense of i n s t r u c t i o n , it is u n d o u b t e d l y u s e f u l to the student to vary the routine of daily studies by o c c a s i o n a l p r a c t i c a l o p e r a t i o n s , w h i c h
impart manual d e x t e r i t y , w h i l e they impress on the m i n d a n d m e m o r y leading scientific
^
t r u t h s , a n d thus elevate a n d s t r e n g t h e n the intellectual
ctual pp oo ww ee rr ss of
of the
the ss tt uu dd ee nn tt ..
remind our readersHlasut the~Philadelphia C o n f e r e n c e , o n the p r o p o s e d
TP
(
'
F r i e n d s ' B o a r d i n g S c h o o l , a d j o u r n e d last y e a r , to m e e t on the T h i r d - d a y evening of the
coming Yearly M e e t i n g weeX.. at 8 o ' c l o c k , a t R a c e street meeting-house."
T h e p r o p o s e d conference a t »the time of Y e a r l y M e e t i n g w a s duly h e l d , as
th
appears from the following m i n u t e s :
ip5
th
Mo 13
1862.
A conference of the m e m b e r s
of P h i l a Yearly M e e t i n g m e t p u r s u a n t to adjournment on
\ Meeting Week.
(
C % -
Manuscript R e c o r d - b o o k , p . 3 8 .
day E v e n i n g of our Y e a r l y
irLi
- ja&r -
^ P h e Clerk o p e n e d the m e e t i n g b y r e a d i n g the m i n u t e s .
T h e names of Friends
appointed in the different (^uatterly M e e t i n g s to d i s t r i b u t e the subscription p a p e r s
were called a n d r e p o r t s were m a d e from each s e c t i o n to the effect that the p e c u n i a r y
difficulties p o n s e q u e n t on the state of the country h a d p r e v e n t e d a n y a c t i v e effort
in obtaining s)ifascriptions.
M a n y F r i e n d s expressed their interest in the subject
a n d their b e l i e f that the d i s c u s s i o n of it h a d a w a k e n e d a n interest throughout the
Yearly Meeting.
^ I t w a s b e l i e v e d that if o u r efforts w e r e continued a M
Friends were
encouraged
to contribute a c c o r d i n g to their m e a n s w i t h o u t expecting 'great t h i n g s ' that the
end m i g h t b e a c c o m p l i s h e d .
;*5Lfter a n interesting d i s c u s s i o n in w h i c h a n u m b e r of F r i e n d s of b o t h sexes
participated^ ~
-
^
S^Ltrl ?
T h u s abruptly end the m i n u t e s of this m e e t i n g , a n d there arejio f u r t h e r
m i n u t e s or d a t a of a n y k i n d in the m a n u s c r i p t R e c o r d - b o o k .
Some idea of the "inter-
est,ing discussion" w h i c h took p l a c e a t the m e e t i n g on M a y 13 is a f f o r d e d b y the l e t t e r s
of E A w a r d P a r r i s h a n d Befojamin H a l l o w e l l q u o t e d a b o v e , a n d by the f o l l o w i n g
in the F r i e n d s ' Intelligencer of F i f t h M o . 1 7 , 1862?
j
editorial
J
the discussions in regard to the establishment of a F r i e n d s ' B o a r d i n g
! S c h o o l , two different v i e w s h a v e a p p e a r e d to influence those i n t e r e s t e d .
Some Friends
I seem to desire a cheap select s c h o o l , to w h i c h they c a n send t h e i r children for a n
elementary e d u c a t i o n , w h i l e those w i t h w h o m the concern originated h a d ajiriew to the
higher or m o r e liberal branches of E d u c a t i o n , a n d to qualifying teachers to take
charge of n e i g h b o r h o o d
schools.
A l t h o u g h at first sight there might seem a w a n t of agreement in these obj e c t s , they m a y b e easily reconciled u n d e r a coi#plete system of c l a s s i f i c a t i o n , a n d
especially during the first few y e a r s . It is p r o b a b l y that on the opening of the s c h o o l ,
\ there w o u l d hardly b e f o u n d a sufficient n u m b e r of F r i e n d s ' children who h a d reached
:
f r - T a ^ ^ p K w s .
-
i
She required grade of attainment to fjf^Ll up a large High S c h o o l .
•fit is only a s a taste for a liberal Education is fostered in the Society,
m d e r the influence of such a centre of education, that it would h e generally appre:iated; as graduates of the school became t e a c h e r s , in Friends' neighborhoods through>ut the country, they would naturally direct the studies of those i n t r u s t e d \ « their
jare, into the channel which would
lead them into the parent institution.
Thus sa^y,
succession of pupils grounded in the elementary b r a n c h e s , and inspired w i t h a desire
'or learning, would perhaps fill u p the advanced classes in the school, a n d the want
>f good neighborhood schools being in some degree supplied b y its graduates, the n e e d
if a preparatory department would c e a s e .
•^Xn the meantime it would be very desirable to have a preparatory department,
either in the same or a neighboring b u i l d i n g , which would meet the wants of those
suffering from a deficiency of proper educational facilities in the neighborhoods in
which they l i v e , and would thus aid. in preparing scholars for the higher classes in
bhe school.
^ k a thus constituted we think the school would prove a blessing to society,
which can hardly be appreciated in a d v a n c e .
T h e p r o p e r development of the p h y s i c a l ,
intellectual and moral power of those u p o n whom m u s t hereafter devolve the maintenance
and propagation of the principles professed by F r i e n d s , is an object the importance of
which we can hardly exaggerate.
^ S h e s e clear and practical views of Christian t r u t h , can only be properly maintained ancjLropagated in a n inquiring and progressive age b y well disciplined and cul*
tivated m i n d s .
Vainly shall we seek to build u p o n the learning of a B a r c l a y , the
humane and Christian polity of a P e r m , the clear reasoning of a D y m o n d , or the integrity in thought and diction of a W o o l m a n , unless we are prepared to meet the issues
of our own teeming a n d eventful a g e with something of the moral and intellectual p o w e r
which gave pre-eminence to these a n d other worthy champions of a p u r e morality a n d a
high Christian standard.
ififle fear that in this duty of p r e s e n t i n g clearly a n d efficiently those g r e a t
adamental truths w h i c h d i s t i n g u i s h e d our p r e d e c e s s o r s , there is not only too little
il hut also too little learning a n d m e n t a l d i s c i p l i n e ; and w h i l e w e are fully aware
it these are not the only qualifications for service in the cause of t r u t h , w e rerd them as so indispensable to the p r o p e r m a i n t e n a n c e a n d spread of our Christian
Lnciples a n d t e s t i m o n i e s , that it is our earnest desire to see a school speedily
bablished and m a i n t a i n e d for the liberal education of the r i s i n g generation in our
11
i religious Society? T h e next number of the Intelligencer (for F i f t h M o . 2 4 , 1 8 6 2 ) contained the
Llowing e d i t o r i a l , w h i c h was p r o b a b l y w r i t t e n b y E d w a r d P a r r i s h , who w a s a p p o i n t e d
srk of the enlarged committee: J ^ S h e School C o n f e r e n c e s . - A m o n g the interesting occa)ns g r o w i n g out of the attendance of a large body of F r i e n d s u p o n the Y e a r l y M e e t i n g ,
3 the m e e t i n g of those interested in the c o n c e r n , w h i c h has so o f t e n b e e n a d v e r t e d
in this p a p e r , for the establishment of a F r i e n d s
1
Normal and High School. Agreeably
adjournment of the m e e t i n g of last y e a r , a n d to a n announcement read by the Clerks
the Yearly M e e t i n g , a general conference w a s h e l d on T h i r d day e v e n i n g i n the n o r t h
1 of the Ha.ce S t r e e t H o u s e .
N o t w i t h s t a n d i n g a shower w h i c h o c c u r r e d just previous to
3 h o u r a p p o i n t e d , the a t t e n d a n c e was p r e t t y large of b o t h s e x e s .
Dillwyn Parrish
bed a s c l e r k .
• R e m a r k s were made b y several F r i e n d s u p o n the p r e s s i n g importance of this conrn, w h i c h h a s completely slumbered d u r i n g the p a s t y e a r , owing to the distracted state
the country, and the a l a r m w h i c h has p a r a l y z e d the energies a n d crippl&d the reirces of m a n y of the public spirited and h u m a n e a m o n g u s .
It w a s shown that the same
it existed now as gave "birth to this concern in the first i n s t a n c e . That m a n y who h a v e
3 desire to enter u p o n the h o n o r a b l e a n d u s e f u l o c c u p a t i o n of t e a c h e r s , a r e destitute
facilities to qualify themselves for its duties a n d r e s p o n s i b i l i t i e s , a n d that neighchood schools are often compelled to choose from a m o n g very incompetent a p p l i c a n t s , to
5 great detriment of the scholars; w h i l e F r i e n d s p o s s e s s e d of l i b e r a l views o n the
~
&tr
-
iject of e d u c a t i o n , and of m e a n s to give their children a thoroughly scientific
d n i n g , a r e compelled to deny them this a d v a n t a g e , o r to avail themselves of schools
which our p e c u l i a r principles a n d testimonies a r e not held u p to v i e w .
Our Friend,
r k s o n T a y l o r , of W i l m i n g t o n , a n d a female F r i e n d , g a v e expression to their exper.ce of the difficulties of a c q u i r i n g a n education to fit them for the "business of teachi, a n d other F r i e n d s acknowledged the "blessing that h a d attended the efforts of conn e d p a r e n t s to have them educated w i t h i n the enclosure of the Society of F r i e n d s ,
. gave their v o i c e s in favor of a strenuous effort to p r o v i d e increased opportunities
the same k i n d for their c h i l d r e n .
w a s shown, that w h i l e in the first settlement of this section of country "by
ends, a school-house was considered a l m o s t a n e c e s s a r y a p p e n d a g e to every meetingise, now we are entirely d e p e n d e n t , in m a n y n e i g h b o r h o o d s , u p o n schools supported b y
imiscuous t a x a t i o n , and g o v e r n e d , in g o o d p a r t , b y those who h a v e no sympathy w i t h us
the support of the testimonies w e h o l d so d e a r .
In this c o n n e c t i o n , the recent
tdency to incorporate m i l i t a r y drill as p a r t of the exercises of the p u b l i c schools
i referred t o , as likely to become m o r e g e n e r a l , a n d perhaps to b e sustained b y l a w .
; immense strides w h i c h education has t a k e n in other religious o r g a n i z a t i o n s , w a s
>wn to b e disproportionate to the p r o g r e s s in our o w n .
The importance of a liberal
L extended e d u c a t i o n , a s a m e a n s of u s e f u l n e s s a n d enjoyment in l i f e , a n d as a n a i d
the p r o p a g a t i o n of the p r i n c i p l e s of truth, a n d in guarding a g a i n s t the errors a n d
^tensions w h i c h surround u s and our children o n every h a n d , w a s a l s o a l l u d e d t o .
^ T h e interest a w a k e n e d b y this d i s c u s s i o n , in w h i c h several of the younger p a r t
the audience p a r t i c i p a t e d , also took a p r a c t i c a l t u r n , and the m a n n e r in w h i c h this
icern h a d b e e n p r e s e n t e d a n d p r o s e c u t e d a t the m e e t i n g s held m o r e than a y e a r a g o , w a s
omented o n . Friends seemed g e n e r a l l y of opinion that we h a d , in the first i n s t a n c e ,
aed at too extensive a s c h e m e , that an a d v a n t a g e w o u l d result by so far m o d i f y i n g it a s
l o o k , for the p r e s e n t , toward a s c h o o l , e m b r a c i n g at least a N o r m a l department at the
ening, a n d , as m e a n s are o b t a i n e d , secondary classes, and finally the h i g h e r o r collegia d e p a r t m e n t .
This seems to embrace the p r o p e r succession w i t h reference to the
/^(OL
J
jfr _
;s of the S o c i e t y , and h y l i m i t i n g the number of p u p i l s in e a c h , a n d the consent expenditure, a c c o r d i n g to the m e a n s s u b s c r i b e d , it is b e l i e v e d the establishment
he school m a y h e consummated w i t h i n a y e a r or two at f u r t h e s t .
J^The end reached onTrhird-day evening was the a p p o i n t m e n t of a committee of coriondence to endeavor to further the concern; this committee m e t , a n d on c o n s i d e r a t i o n ,
l u d e d to call another conference on F i f t h - d a y evening; this w a s also a n n o u n c e d b y
respective Clerks in the m e n ' s and women's Y e a r l y M e e t i n g s , a n d w a s w e l l a t t e n d e d ,
his time, the Committee m a d e the following p r o p o s a l s ;
/fist. T h a t two or three F r i e n d s from each CJ^aarterly M e e t i n g shall act a s corres.ents w i t h this committee, a n d a i d in c i r c u l a t i n g a n y p u b l i c a t i o n s issued in relation
.he s u b j e c t , a h d in returning the subscription p a p e r s .
# T h i s was u n i t e d w i t h , a n d some a p p o i n t m e n t s m a d e ; it is to b e r e g r e t t e d , that
ig to the h e s i t a t i o n of F r i e n d s g e n e r a l l y , in o f f e r i n g their names as v o l u n t e e r s
this s e r v i c e , a n d the small representation of some sections at the C o n f e r e n c e , the
, is not f u l l , a n d the Committee w i l l b e o b l i g e d to solicit further offers in this
irtant p a r t of their w o r k .
That the Committee, a s at first a p p o i n t e d , b e i n c r e a s e d in H a t number b y
a d d i t i o n of a few F r i e n d s l i v i n g w i t h i n convenient reach of the city; a n d that their
.es be extended to p r e p a r i n g , in conjunction w i t h F r i e n d s of the other Y e a r l y Meeta specific constitution f o r the organization of the A s s o c i a t i o n , w h i c h they shall
.ish a n d circulate among the c o n t r i b u t o r s , a n d o t h e r s , p r e v i o u s to the time of our
; m e e t i n g , so that it m a y then be submitted f o r consideration a n d a d o p t i o n .
"*This p r o p o s i t i o n was -united w i t h , a n d the Committee e n l a r g e d a s p r o p o s e d ; the
;s of its m e m b e r s are a p p e n d e d .
^3d.
That a M e e t i n g o f the Contributors a n d a l l interested shall b e held on
afternoon of the 12th of N i n t h m o n t h n e x t , at 3 o ' c l o c k , at w h i c h time the C o m m i t t e e
.1 m a k e a full report, and the constitution shall b e submitted for consideration a n d
>tion, if way o p e n s .
This was also u h i t e d w i t h .
\
««
**4th.
JeSSt
A
That f r i e n d s , now in the c i t y , in a t t e n d a n c e on the Y e a r l y M e e t i n g , b e
^
ed to leave their names w i t h the Clerk of this C o n f e r e n c e , a s subscribers to the
^
for the establishment of the contemplated s c h o o l , as a n encouragement to the future
cution of the c o n c e r n .
* A s a response to this p r o p o s a l , about forty of those p r e s e n t entered their
u p o n the subscription list for a n aggregate e x c e e d i n g three thousand d o l l a r s . T h i s
added to the few subscriptions obtained u n d e r the p r e v i o u s u n f a v o r a b l e
circumstances,'
rtainly a g o o d nucleus w i t h w h i c h to b e g i n the subscription p r o p o s e d to be r a i s e d
r own Yearly M e e t i n g , a n d w h i c h , a d d e d to those of our f r i e n d s in N e w Y o r k a n d Bale , we hope m a y be sufficient to justify the organization of the A s s o c i a t i o n a t the
sed m e e t i n g in the N i n t h m o n t h , a n d the speedy p r o s e c u t i o n of the w o r k .
effort w a s made to canvass for s u b s c r i p t i o n s , b e y o n d the o c c a s i o n a l l u d e d
s it was thought best to p o s t p o n / ' t h i s important w o r k till new subscription p a p e r s
be issued and c i r c u l a t e d , b y the a i d of the correspondents a n d m e m b e r s of the Come, to every M o n t h l y M e e t i n g in the Y e a r l y M e e t i n g .
The l u x u r y of G I V I N O , w h i c h is
^
"t
1st perhaos too m a i y a r e u n a c c u s t o m e d t o , w i l l thus be p l a c e d w i t h i n the reach of
and we h o o e e l m o B t every one will b e w i l l i n g to a i d in a w o r k so w o r t h y of support
dA^rt^L
^JLJfoZ.—
icouragement
^
The
they should b e
o f the best were reflected in the W o mnen's
e n ' s YY ee aa rr ll yv MM ee ee tt ii nn g- of
of Philadelphia 72^'
* m e e t i n g of Philadelphia,* 1 8 6 2 , which
adopted the following m i n n U s T ^ k f U
er the a p p o i n t m e n t of the Clerks at the afternoon
session, the subject o f e d i i M t i n «
• _ t of education was m t o a u c e d by reading- the r e P o r t from the committee u p o n E d u c a t i o n and L i b r a r i e s .
"
y
*
"
—
T h i s stated thatu its u s e f u l n e s s h „ ,
u s e i u l n e s s had been curtailed
—
-
—
«
»
.
»
„
«
.
-
.zffir
-
aeral expression of interest in the s u b j e c t of e d u c a t i o n , a n d s h o p e that the comfctee m i g h t b e c o n t i n u e d .
T h e f i n a l d e c i s i o n w a s , h o w e v e r , d e f e r r e d , u n t i l a f t e r the
-voiding of the a n s w e r s to the second a n n u a l query
T h e l u m e n ' s Y e a r l y M e e t i n g of N e w Y o r k , in their E p i s t l e of M a y , 1 8 6 1 , to
V
3ir sisters in P h i l a d e l p h i a , h a d written?
" T h e subject of a g u a r d e d e d u c a t i o n h a s
okened a l i v e l y interest a m o n g s t u s , a n d w e still l o o k f o r w a r d w i t h h o p e , that the time
y come w h e n o u r c h i l d r e n shall no l o n g e r b e left to the g u i d a n c e of those w h o a r e
rangers to our t e s t i m o n i e s ; to w h i c h c a u s e w e b e l i e v e m a y b e a t t r i b u t e d m a n y of the
viations that exist w i t h i h our b o r d e r s . "
(job*.
fy,
u& Q
.
;;
yL
T h e U e n / s Y e a r l y M e e t i n g in H e w YorJ:, in 1 8 6 2 , t o o k the a d v e r s e a c t i o n o n
school of its o w h w h i c h h a s b e e n c i t e d abovel
e P h i l a d e l p h i a F r i e n d s .ihssEEfnxE decid that the i r o n w a s n o w h o t enough i n N e w Y o r k to s t r i k e (with g o o u r e s u l t s j ^ a n d
even^
fore the Y e a r l y M e e t i n g in the l a t t e r c i t y a d j o u r n e d , they w e n t t h e r e a ^ . n w i t h their
acern.
A n adjitorial in the F r i e n d s ' I n t e l l i g e n c e r f o r S i x t h M o . 7 , 1 8 6 2 , ^ " g i v e s the
Llowing acco-qnt o f t h e i r efforts;fl^Dhe S c h o o l C o n c e r n in H e w Y o r k . - D u r i n g the time
the l a t e H e w Y o r k Y e a r l y M e e t i n g ,
a C o m m i t t e e of F r i e n d s f r o m P h i l a d e l p h i a , s o l i c i t e d
o p p o r t u n i t y , t o open the subject of the p r o p o s e d B o a r d i n g S c h o o l , i n the a s p e c t it h a s
tely a s s u m e d in P h i l a d e l p h i a , a n d h a d a m e e t i n g i n the h o u s e o c c u p i e d b y the W o m e n ' s
sting, o n Thii\^-day e v e n i n g , a n d a n o t h e r o n F i f t h - d a y e v e n i n g .
7VP
"•fsJ.^A*! U^r*. ca^^^u-j -
A t the l a t t e r , a
X.'J ^ ^ ^ 4 0—
istitution, p r e p a r e d b y a joint C o m m i t t e e , i n c l u d i n g the P h i l a d e l p h i a d e p u t a t i o n , w a s
3sented a n d f u l l y a d o p t e d .
It p r o v i d e s f o r the e s t a b l i s h m e n t a n d g o v e r n m e n t of 'The
Lends' U n i o n B o a r d i n g S c h o o l A s s o c i a t i o n , ' to consist of the share h o l d e r s in the f u n d
rrady s u b s c r i b e d
in p a r t , for the e s t a b l i s h m e n t of the c o n t e m p l a t e d s c h o o l ; the selec—
>n of the s i t e , the e r e c t i o n of the b u i l d i n g s , a n d the m a n a g e m e n t of the school to b e :
ific|ed to a B o a r d of T r u s t e e s , c o n s i s t i n g of s i x t e e n F r i e n d s o f each s e x , r e p r e s e n t i n g
Lends of the three Y e a r l y M e e t i n g s , and e l e c t e d b y the m e m b e r s o n the b a s i s of the
2 0 1
•-~Ibid,
rbid./jl.
Its s e s s i1 o9 n4s.' w e r e h e l d f r o m M a y 2 6 to 2 9 , i n c l u s i v e .
stock.
T h e p r o v i s i o n s of this i n s t r u m e n t , afjier careful d i s c u s s i o n a n d c r i t i c i s m ,
both in a s u b - C o m m i t t e e , Committee a n d o p e n C o n f e r e n c e , w e r e a d o p t e d w i t h a good
degree of u n a n i m i t y , a n d after remarks from a n u m b e r of those p r e s e n t , exhibiting
a lively interest in the concern, a subscription list w a s p a s s e d a r o u n d , a n d about
eight thousand dollars were o b t a i n e d . W h e n it is remembered that this sum is only
on account of $ 5 0 , £ 0 0 , which is to b e the a m o u n t raised b e f o r e completing the organi z a t i o n , a n d that but few of the F r i e n d s of the country h a d r e m a i n e d in the city
to the m e e t i n g , (the Y e a r l y M e e t i n g a d j o u r n e d o n F i f t h - d a y m o r n i n g , ) a n d that not
many of the wealthy Friends of the city a n d its immediate vicinity a t t e n d e d , this
result must be considered v e r y e n c o u r a g i n g , a n d leads to the conclusion that our
Friends in New Y o r k w i l l not b e tardy in f u r n i s h i n g even m o r e than their share of
the necessary ineans to establish this m u c h n e e d e d I n s t i t u t i o n .
In the m e a n t i m e , w e
h o p e that a l l who are interested in this m o v e m e n t w i t h i n t h e l i m i t s of P h i l a d e l p h i a
and Baltimore Yearly Meetings will b e DP M D
DOINC.^
T h e Summer of 1862 a p p e a r s to h a v e b e e n a n u n u s u a l l y w a r m one in P h i l a d e l p h i a
a n d its v i c i n i t y ; but the p r o j e c t of "the school" w a s b y no m e a n s lost sight o f , a s
is shown b y an editorial in the F r i e n d s ' I n t e l l i g e n c e r for E i ^ h M o n t h 1 6 , 1 8 6 2 ,
7%
A
w h i c h reads in p a r t as follows; J p T h e intensely h o t w e a t h e r of the past two m o n t h s ,
w i t h the general distribution of our citizens into the surrounding c o u n t r y , a n d the
active operations a m o n g the farmers in h a r v e s t i n g their c r o p s , have p o s t p o n e d the
p r o s e c u t i o n of the b u s i n e s s till quite r e c e n t l y .
^ A p a. m e e t i n g of the committee h e l d on the 8 t h . i n s t , it w a s a g r e e d to comrmence a series of conferences in Friends' n e i g h b o r h o o d s in the c o u n t r y , at w h i c h
members of the committee will a t t e n d , explain the p r o p o s e d p l a n , a n d endeavor to
awaken a m o n g parents a n d others a n increased interest in the h i g h l y important subject of education.
T h e conferences w h i c h h a v e b e e n already a p p o i n t e d are a n n o u n c e d
in another c o l u m n , a n d it is especially desired that every one w i t h i n reach of the
places named will endeavor to a t t e n d , a s well a s to notify others likely to take a n
interest in the m o v e m e n t .
7*} - V o l . 1 0 , P . S G Q ^ X l g , ; 'f •
- ./3'
^ T h e G e n e r a l C o n f e r e n c e of F r i e n d s of this Y e a r l y M e e t i n g , o n the
subject,
stands a d j o u r n e d to m e e t a t R a c e S t r e e t M e e t i n g H o u s e o n the 1 2 t h o f 9 t h m o n t h a t
3 o ' c l o c k in the a f t e r n o o n , at w h i c h time it w a s o r i g i n a l l y d e s i g n e d to h a v e the
s u b s c r i p t i o n p a p e r s r e t u r n e d , a n d a n e f f o r t m a d e to o r g a n i z e the a s s o c i a t i o n , b u t
the c o n s t i t u t i o n p r e p a r e d b y a joint c o m m i t t e e f r o m P h i l a d e l p h i a a n d N e w Y o r k , o n
w h i c h the p r e s e n t m o v e m e n t is b a s e d , p r o v i d e s f o r t h e f i r s t a n n u a l m e e t i n g to b e
h e l d in this city on the 2 n d of the T w e l f t h m o n t h .
T h e n e c e s s i t y o f s e c u r i n g the
s u b s c r i p t i o n s d u r i n g the e n s u i n g f o u r w e e k s is thus o b v i a t e d , a n d a t e r m of t h r e e
months s e c u r e d in w h i c h to c a n v a s s the w h o l e Y e a r l y M e e t i n g f o r s u b s c r i p t i o n s .
We
hope this m a y b e t h o r o u g h l y d o n e ; w h e r e v e r it is p r a c t i c a b l e a n d p r o m i s e s g o o d res u l t s , the n e i g h b o r h o o d s h o u l d b e s u m m o n e d to a m e e t i n g at w h i c h some of the e a r n e s t
friendsjof the m e a s u r e s h o u l d u r g e its c l a i m ; a n d w h e r e such a m e e t i n g w o u l d not p r o bably p r o v e a d v a n t a g e o u s , the c i r c u l a r s a n d s u b s c r i p t i o n p a p e r s p r e p a r e d b y the committee, and which m a y be obtained of Edward P a r r i s h , Clerk, 800 A r c h street, Phila d e l p h i a , should b e p l a c e d in the h a n d s of e v e r y F r i e n d w h o h a s the m e a n s to b e c o m e
a shareholder.
i, ,
>
^
^^uJ^JAj^^ ( i J L ^ / '
jg
T h e c o n f e r e n c e s r e f e r r e d to in the a ^ o v e e d i t o r i a l w ^ e a n n o u n c e d a s f o l l o w s ;
S p e c i a l N o t i c e . - B y a p p o i n t m e n t of the A c t i n g C o m m i t t e e a p p o i n t e d a t the C o n f e r e n c e
held d u r i n g the w e e k of o u r l a t e Y e a r l y M e e t i n g , o n the s u b j e c t of p r o v i d i n g inc r e a s e d f a c i l i t i e s f o r the l i b e r a l a n d g u a r d e d e d u c a t i o n o f F r i e n d s ' c h i l d r e n , the
f o l l o w i h g c o n f e r e n c e s h a v e b e e n a p p o i n t e d o n the
subject.
•"At W e s t C h e s t e r , on 6th d a y , the 2 2 d i n s t a n t , a t 1 0 o ' c l o c k , A . M .
* A t L o n d o n G r o v e , o n 7 t h d a y , the 2 3 d i n s t a n t , a t 10 o ' c l o c k , A . M .
* A t M o u n t H o l l y , N . J . , 7th d a y , the 3 0 t h l a s t . , a t 2 o ' c l o c k , P . M .
* A t S a l e m , 6 t h d a y , the 5 t h of 9 t h m o . , at 7 o ' c l o c k , P . M .
fc -
Ibid, p . 361.
-
^ F r i e n d s and others
attend these m e e t i n g s .
-
in the neighborhoods n a m e d are c o r d i a l l y invited to
It is expected that m e m b e r s of the Committee w i l l b e in
attendance to explain the object in v i e w , the d e t a i l ^ of the organization a n d condition of m e m b e r s h i p , a n d to p a r t i c i p a t e in a general discussion of the scheme.**
In addition to these c o n f e r e n c e s , the Intelligencer also a n n o u n c e d , in its
issue of N i n t h M o n t h 6 , 1 8 6 2 , a general "School C o n f e r e n c e " , a s f o l l o w s :
"fiSho- •School O u n f o f o n o a r l i A a a d j o u r n e d Conference of F r i e n d s of P h i l a d e l p h i a
Yearly M e e t i n g , favorable to the establishment of a b o a r d i n g sch6ol f o r education
in the h i g h e r branches of k n o w l e d g e , a n d f o r the p r e p a r a t i o n of teachers for the
charge of F r i e n d s ' n e i g h b o r h o o d s c h o o l s , & c . , w i l l b e h e l d on S i x t h - d a y , the 12th
of N i n t h M o n t h , at 3 o'clock in the a f t e r n o o n , at the R a c e street m e e t i n g h o u s e ,
Philadelphia."**"
T h i s conference in P h i l a d e l p h i a w a s duly h e l d , a n d the f o l l o w i n g account of
its -oroceedings was g i v e n in a n editorial in the Intelligencer f o r N i n t h M o n t h 2 0 ,
u
1862: f k
Conference of Friends b e l o n g i n g to P h i l a d e l p h i a Y e a r l y M e e t i n g , a s s e m b l e d
in Race Street M e e t i n g - h o u s e , on Sixth-day a f t e r n o o n , the 1 2 t h i n s t . , to h e a r the
R e p o r t of the Committee a p p o i n t e d in F i f t h m o n t h l a s t , on the subject of E d u c a t i o n ,
and the establishment of a B o a r d i n g S c h o o l .
^ N o t w i t h s t a n d i n g the heavy rain in the m o r n i n g , which p r e v e n t e d the attendance
of some from the c o u n t r y , a considerable n imber of F r i e n d s w e r e p r e s e n t , a n d m o s t of
the Quarterly Meetings were r e p r e s e n t e d .
F r o m reports made b y m e m b e r s of the commit-
tee and o t h e r s , it is b e l i e v e d this concern is a w a k e n i n g a deep interest in the m i n d s
of m a n y oijour m e m b e r s , and that n o t w i t h s t a n d i n g the p r e s e n t state of the c o u n t r y , it
only requires efficient laborers to p r o c u r e the n e c e s s a r y fuhds to organize the
Institution.
% 0 -
Ibid, f . 410.
I b i d , p p . 4 4 0 -If!.
33
— / &&
-
**The Report of the Committee w a s a p p r o v e d , a n d they w e r e e n c o u r a g e d to
persererein their l a b o r s , and to h o l d Conferences in neighborhoods where the way is
opened for i t .
They w e r e also d e s i r e d to p u b l i s h a n abstract of the R e p o r t in F r i e n d s '
Intelligencer, w h i c h is a
'To the A d j o u r n e d U o n r e r e n c e or F r i e n d s , to oe held in P h i l a d e l p h i a , on the
subject of p r o v i d i n g increased facilities f o r a l i b e r a l e d u c a t i o n , u n d e r the care of
Friends: •The u n d e r s i g n e d , intrusted b y the Conference h e l d in the F i f t h M o n t h , w i t h
the further p r o s e c u t i o n of the c o n c e r n , now report as follows:
'A Sub-committee f r o m their n u m b e r v i s i t e d N e w Y o r k , at the time of their
late Y e a r l y M e e t i n g , a n d a t t e n d e d two Conferences of Friends on the evenings of the
27th a n d 2 9 t h of Fifth M o n t h .
They were m u c h e n c o u r a g e d b y the interest
expressed
and the liberal subscriptions o f f e r e d , a n d c o - o p e r a t e d w i t h a Committee of Hew Y o r k
Friends in framing a C o n s t i t u t i o n , u n d e r w h i c h the p r o p o s e d o r g a n i z a t i o n should b e
definitely f o r m e d . A p r i n t e d copy of this C o n s t i t u t i o n accompanies this R e p o r t .
It
was u n i t e d w i t h b y this C o m m i t t e e , a n d w e h o p e that it may b e satisfactory to the
p r e s e n t C o n f e r e n c e , a n d to the First A n n u a l M e e t i n g of the A s s o c i a t i o n , to b e h e l d
o n the 2 d of Twelfth m o n t h , w h e n it is to b e submitted for a d o p t i o n .
'Your Committee have also k e p t in view the p r o s e c u t i o n of the enterprise
w i t h i n the limits of our o w n Yearly M e e t i n g .
A circular a n d subscription p a p e r s ac-
c o m p a n y i n g this R e p o r t , h a v e b e e n circulated in v a r i o u s n e i g h b o r h o o d s , and some
efforts have been m a d e by individuals i n t e r e s t e d , to obtain s u b s c r i p t i o n s , but we felt
that in order to a w a k e n a n interest in the subject of education g e n e r a l l y , a n d to
explain the a n t i c i p a t e d a d v a n t a g e s of the A s s o c i a t i o n now p r o p o s e d , Conferences
should
be h e l d throughout the c o u n t r y , to b e a t t e n d e d b y m e m b e r s of this C o m m i t t e e .
'Accordingly, a p p o i n t m e n t s were m a d e a t W e s t C h e s t e r , on the 2 2 d , a n d L o n d o n
Grove on the 2 3 d , a n d at M o u n t Holly on the 3 0 t h of Eighth m o n t h , and at S a l e m , N . J .
on the 5th of Ninth m o n t h , at each p l a c e to b e h e l d in Friends' m e e t i n g - h o u s e .
At West C h e s t e r , the company Collected at the appointed time was s m a l l , but an
adjournment was h a d u n t i l evening, w h e n a large a u d i e n c e w a s c o n v e n e d , and. w e b e l i e v e
much interest a w a k e n e d in the s u b j e c t .
It was not thought best to enter u p o n a n y
subscription at the ti$e, b u t the subject w a s left on the m i n d s of F r i e n d s , with a
p r o s p e c t of substantial r e s u l t s .
* *At L o n d o n Grove the Conference was w e l l a t t e n d e d .
T h e objections of some
Friends to the p r o p o s e d school were freely e x p r e s s e d , a n d led to explanations on the
part Sf the Committee in a t t e n d a n c e , c a l c u l a t e d , w e think, to promote, its m o r e favorable c o n s i d e r a t i o n .
Subscriptions w e r e entered into at this t i m e , w h i c h though in
most i n s t a n c e s , small in q m o u n t , evinced a d i s p o s i t i o n on the p a r t of Friends in this
thriving section of country to share in the g o o d w o r k .
The local committees a p p o i n t e d
at the several Monthly meetings to f o r w a r d the s u b s c r i p t i o n , h a d p a r t i a l l y accomplished their labors in advance of this o p p o r t u n i t y , b u t the committee felt repaid for t h e
efforts m a d e in t h i s , as in other c a s e s , by the evidence that the subject of education
h a d taken h o l d of m a n y p a r e n t s , especially a m o n g the y o u n g e r c l a s s , in a way to p r o mote the b e s t interests of their c h i l d r e n .
C * T h e Conference at Mount Holly was rather s m a l l , a n d discouragements w e r e
thrown out b y some, but we b e l i e v e that Friends in that n e i g h b o r h o o d will be w i l l i n g
to a i d us in the w o r k in p r o p o r t i o n , as we p e r s e v e r e in i t .
c
^ T h e Conference at Salem ended in the appointment of a committee to circulate
subscription papers a m o n g Friends of that wealthy and. p o p u l o u s v i c i n i t y .
It was w e l l
a t t e n d e d , a n d considerable interest e x p r e s s e d , though h e r e , as e l s e w h e r e , the committee felt they h a d a w o r k to do in stirring u p Friends to a sense of their responsibilities, as p a r e n t s a n d guardians of the y o u n g , to develope to the u t m o s t , their
moral a n d intellectual n a t u r e , a n d to p r e p a r e the g r o u n d for that s e e d , the growth of
which is so important to their temporal a n d eternal h a p p i n e s s .
c
* O n e of the chief causes of discouragement encountered by the committee in
every n e i g h b o r h o o d they have v i s i t e d , h a s grown out of the awful a n d destructive w a r
-
Sc
-
in which the opposing sections of our country are now e n g a g e d , a n d the u n c e r t a i n t y
in which the future is involved; but w h i l e this h a s discouraged some from entering
on any e n t e r p r i s e , however a d v a n t a g e o u s , o t h e r s h a v e seen in it a new incentive
to efforts on behalf of their c h i l d r e n .
T h e w a r spirit h a s p e n e t r a t e d a l m o s t every
institution in the land; the P u b l i c Schools a r e u s e d a s m e a n s of p r o m o t i n g the l o v e
of m i l i t a r y g l o r y , and. are increasingly engaged in teaching m i l i t a r y drill to their
pupils.
C ^ W e should b e especially concerned to guard our children a g a i n s t this s n a r e ,
and to b u i l d them up in those p r i n c i p l e s which w i l l not only p r e s e r v e them in the
p r a c t i c e of p e a c e and good-will towards all m e n , but will m a k e them fit successors to
those worthies who h a v e gone b e f o r e them as lights in the w o r l d , a n d exemplars of the
p e a c e a b l e spirit of C h r i s t i a n i t y .
To this end F r i e n d s should educate a l l their
i
chjjQ.dren u n d e r their own care; a n d , not to b e b e h i n d other religious denominations
in i n f l u e n c e , they should a i m to develope a l l the talent a m o n g t h e m , b y the very best
a n d m o s t improved systems of intellectual t r a i n i n g .
If this v i e w could be impressed
sufficiently o n the m i n d s of F r i e n d s , the d i s t r a c t e d state of our country w o u l d not
operate to d i s c o u r a g e , but rather to increase o u r zeal in the concern w h i c h has claimed the a t t e n t i o n of this c o m m i t t e e . A s we feel the comparative u n c e r t a i n t y of m a t e r ial r i c h e s , and their insufficiency to secure to o u r offspring the b l e s s i n g s of
p r o s p e r i t y , we should be less d i s p o s e d to a c c u m u l a t e t h e s e , a n d increasingly study
to make the best disposition of them for the a d v a n t a g e of o t h e r s , a n d especially for
those who are to assume the p o s i t i o n , with its attendant r e s p o n s i b i l i t i e s , w h i c h w e
m u s t soon leave v a c a n t .
C
disposition to introduce m i l i t a r y drill into the course of instruction
in our p u b l i c schools already a l l u d e d t o , w h i c h p r a c t i c e ha,s b e c o m e common in large
c i t i e s , is especially objectionable to F r i e n d s , a n d its true remedy lies ih p r o v i d i n g
schools u n d e r our own care , and p l a c i n g them u n d e r the care of teachers p r e p a r e d for
/H
§3*
j their responsible d u t i e s , b y thorough a n d systematic training in a N o r m a l School
belonging to F r i e n d s .
'"The Conference a d j o u r n e d to m e e t on the F i r s t third-day in Twelfth M o n t h
n e x t , at 10 o'clock in the m o r n i n g , at R a c e Street M e e t i n g - h o u s e . *
E d w a r d P a r r i s h , writingfof this conference - m e t h o d of a i d i n g the college
n
'
j p r o j e c t , says: •flf'In the course of this w o r k , m e m b e r s of the B o a r d , a n d others inter! ested, have attended conferences in nearly a l l the M o n t h l y Meetings w i t h i n the compass
; of P h i l a d e l p h i a Y e a r l y M e e t i n g , n u m b e r i n g f i f t y , o b t a i n i n g subscriptions from Friends;
besides a d d r e s s i n g conferences in several sections of New Y o r k a n d B a l t i m o r e Yearly
M e e t i n g s , a n d one at F a r m i n g t o n , w i t h i n the limits of Genesee Y e a r l y M e e t i n g .
^ I n all these they h a v e found some to r e s p o n d cordially to their a p p e a l s .
The yo m g , w h o , in m a n y sections in the midst of indifference a n d a p a t h y are impatiently thirsting f o r k n o w l e d g e ; p a r e n t s who b e g i n to a p p r e c i a t e the imperative duty they
owe to their rising f a m i l i e s , to supply them w i t h the highest p o s s i b l e culture a n d
:
development; a n d lastly, the elders a n d fathers in the c h u r c h , w h o in looking for a
; succession of standard-bearers, b e g i n to suspect that to the neglect of the great in1terests of education u n d e r the g u a r d e d care of the S o c i e t y , m a y b e a t t r i b u t e d m u c h of
\the weakness w h i c h they d e p l o r e . ^
!l -
^ A n Egsay on Educetioffl, 1 8 6 6 , p p . 49 - 5 0 .
y 37
£52=3
T h e Civil W a r , in 1 8 6 2 , w a s dragging its w e a r y a n d terrifying length a l o n g ;
the draft was resorted to f o r the increase of the U n i o n a r m i e s ; m a n y p u b l i c schools
w e r e nurseries of m i l i t a r y ideas a n d recruits; the S o c i e t y of F r i e n d s w a s doing its
u t m o s t to m a i n t a i n its historic testimony a g a i n s t a resort to a r m s : such w e r e the
forces a n d counter-forces surging around the p r o p o s e d s c h o o l , a n d the a b o v e R e p o r t
shows clearly the reaction of its advocates to t h e m .
The p l a n of h o l d i n g local con-
ferences w a s taken u p with renewed vigor in the a u t u m n , a s a p p e a r s from the following
i> ^
p
editorial notice in the Intelligencer for T e n t h M o n t h 1 8 , 1862 : * T h e U x e c u t i v e
Committee a p p o i n t e d a t the Conference h e l d d u r i n g the w e e k of the l a t e Yeafcly Meeti n g , on the subject of the p r o p o s e d B o a r d i n g School u n d e r the care of F r i e n d s , h e l d a
m e e t i n g on Sixth day l a s t , the 1 0 t h i n s t a n t , a n d a p p o i n t e d the f o l l o w i n g C o n f e r e n c e s ,
a t w h i c h some of the Committee w i l l b e p r e s e n t to explain the p l a n , a n d to endeavor to
rv
awakesrva n interest in the subject of education g e n e r a l l y , v i z :
V
<*A Conference in P h i l a d e l p h i a to b e h e l d a t the R a c e street m e e t i n g h o u s e , on
T h i r d - d a y evening, the 1 4 t h , a t 7 o ' c l o c k , P . M .
^•One a t M o o r e s t o w n , N . J . , on F i f t h - d a y a f t e r n o o n , the 1 5 t h , at 3 o ' c l o c k , a t
Friends' meeting house.
4*0ne at W i l m i n g t o n , D e l . , on S i x t h - d a y e v e n i n g , the 2 4 t h , at 7 o ' c l o c k , at
Friends' meeting house.
•*0ne at A t t l e b o r o u g h , B u c k s C o . , P a . , early n e x t m o n t h , of w h i c h due notice
will be g i v e n .
Committee w a s also a p p o i n t e d to a t t e n d a C o n f e r e n c e , w h i c h it is u n d e r s t o o d
Friends of B a l t i m o r e design to h o l d during the w e e k of their a p p r o a c h i n g Yearly Meeting.
The names of several Friends h a v e b e e n a d d e d to the C o m m i t t e e , which now com-
p r i s e the following:
^Philadelphia. - Deborah F . Wharton, Lucretia Mott, Thomas Ridgway, William
D o r s e y , J a n e J o h n s o n , R a c h e l T . J a c k s o n , H a r r i e t 1 . S t o c k l y , S t e p h e n C o x , Helen 0 .
rjt-
V o l . t ^ , p . 504
L o n g s t r e t h , Edith W . A t l e e , W i l l i a m C . B i d d l e , W i l l i a m D . P a r r i s h , Sarah T . P r i c e ,
A n n e S h o e m a k e r , E d w a r d P a r r i s h , E d w a r d H o o p e s , J o s e p h M . T r u m a n , J r . , William Griscorn,
Prankford.
*"Attleboro, P a .
- Simon G i l l a m , P e a r s o n M i t c h e l l , J o s e p h F l o w e r s , Sarah
Flowers.
-"Taylorsville, P a . - M a h l o n K . T a y l o r .
<*Trenton, N . J . -
Isaac S t e v e n s .
^ M o o r e s t o w n , N . J . - M a r y S . L i p p i n c o t t , Sarah H u n t .
^Cinnaminson.N.J. - William P a r r y .
•Woodbury, N.J.
- D a v i d J . G-riscorn.
B e n n e t t Square,Pa.- Samuel M a r t i n , T h o s . J e h k i n s o n .
*West Grove, P a .
- Job H . J a c k s o n .
-^Westchester, P a . - T h o m a s H o o p e s , R a c h e l T a y l o r .
PDarby, P a . -
M . Fisher Longstreth, Joseph Powell.
J^Chadsford, P a . - Clement B i d d l e .
^Conshohocken, P a . •PGwynedd. -
David Foulke.
Ann A . Townsend.
J*5alera».N.J. -
Abigail Woolman.
^Wilmington, Del.
T . Clarkson Taylor.
T h e sessions of B a l t i m o r e Y e a r l y M e e t i n g in O c t o b e r , 1 8 6 2 , w e r e also deemed a
good opportunity for p r o m o t i n g the w o r k .
H o w they w e r e a v a i l e d of is b r i e f l y told in
the following editorial notice in the I n t e l l i g e n c e r for E l e v e n t h M o n t h , 1 5 , 1862:
* 0 n Third-day evening of the w e e k of the late Y e a r l y M e e t i n g a t B a l t i m o r e , a n
interesting conference was h e l d in reference to the p r o p o s e d B o a r d i n g S c h o o l .
Three
m e m b e r s of the E x e c u t i v e Committee b e l o n g i n g to P h i l a d e l p h i a , w e r e p r e s e n t , two other
Friends who h a d intended g o i n g , b e i n g p r e v e n t e d b y i n d i s p o s i t i o n . T h e progress of the
c o n c e r n , throughout the limits of N e w Y o r k a n d P h i l a d e l p h i a Y e a r l y M e e t i n g s , was ex-
£ -
Vol . ^ , p . 569.
1*1
j p l a i n e d , a n d followed b y a general expression of u n i t y .
i
It w a s acknowledged that
; Friends have long experienced the w a n t of such a n institution a s that p r o p o s e d , a n d
the promptness with w h i c h those p r e s e n t came forward to do their p a r t in supplying i t ,
gave the most substantial p r o o f that they h a v e the cause at h e a r t , a n d a r e p r e p a r e d
to enter into it w i t h earnestness a n d c o n f i d e n c e .
W e understand that the sum sub-
scribed already amounts to several thousand d o l l a r s .
*)0n Fifth-day afternoon a n o t h e r m e e t i n g w a s h e l d , when Friends were appointed
to p r e s e n t the subject in the various neighborhoods throughout the limits of the
Yearly Meeting;: a delegation was also a p p o i n t e d to a t t e n d the General M e e t i n g of the
contributors to b e h e l d in P h i l a d e l p h i a on the second of 12th m o n t h p r o x i m o . *
T h e holding of local conferences near P h i l a d e l p h i a continued during N o v e m b e r ,
*
as reported in the Intelligencer for E l e v e n t h M o n t h 2 2 , 1862; 7 F A t the late m e e t i n g
of the A c t i n g Committee on the School C o n c e r n , encouraging reports w e r e made of the
conferences h e l d with Friends at M o o r e s t o w n , New J e r s e y , a n d W i l m i n g t o n , D e l a w a r e , at
b o t h of which unity was felt and e x p r e s s e d .
Considerable additions were m a d e to
the fund subscribed, a n d committees apx>ointed to canvass the respective neighborhoods
for further subscriptions.
^ R e p o r t s w e r e also m a d e of the conferences h e l d in B a l t i m o r e , n o t i c e d in our
last n u m b e r .
^ i t h a view to the extension of these opportunities during the remaining short
p e r i o d before the General M e e t i n g for the organization of the A s s o c i a t i o n on the 3 d
p r o x i m o , conferences were appointed to "be h e l d at W o o d s t o w n , N e w J e r s e y , on T h i r d - d a y ,
the 25th instant, at A t t l e b o r o , Bucks c o u n t y , P a . , on Seventh day the 2 9 t h , a n d at
W r i g h t s t o w n , Bucks C o u n t y , o n F i r s t - d a y , the 3 0 t h , all at 2 o ' c l o c k , P . M .
Friends
generally within the reach of those localities a r e invited to a t t e n d themselves a n d to
extend the information.
Some m e m b e r s of the Executive Committee design to b e p r e s e n t . ^
A s the date of the m e e t i n g of "The F r i e n d s ' U n i o n Boarding School Association"
a p p r o a c h e d , three notices of its being h e l d were g i v e n in the Intelligencer (for
flfr- V o l . ^ S f ,
584.
Jif-0
Eleventh M o n t h 1 5 , 2 2 a n d 2 9 ) , a s f o l l o w s :
^Notice.
We a r e requested to a n n o u n c e to a l l i n t e r e s t e d , that the m e e t i n g
of the F r i e n d s ' U n i o n B o a r d i n g School A s s o c i a t i o n w i l l he h e l d o n the 2 d day of
the T w e l f t h m o n t h , 1 8 6 2 , at 3 o ' c l o c k , P . M . , a t R a c e Street M e e t i n g h o u s e .
A t this
time a l l who h a v e subscribed to the f u n d , a n d who are consequently m e m b e r s of this
A s s o c i a t i o n , a r e invited to b e p r e s e n t a n d p a r t i c i p a t e in the a d o p t i o n of the Constitution a n d the election of M a n a g e r s . ^
^
B e n j a m i n Hallowell a c t e d a s clerk of B a l t i m o r e Yearly M e e t i n g in O c t o b e r , 1 8 6 2 ,
a n d w a s doubtless p r e s e n t a t the m e e t i n g s h e l d in b e h a l f of the school at that t i m e .
T h e following letter to h i m from E d w a r d P a r r i s h states $ome of the h o p e s a n d fears connected w i t h the first m e e t i n g of the stock-holders w h i c h w a s to occur in P h i l a d e l p h i a
on the S e c o n d of December.
It is dated " P h i l a d e l p h i a 1 1 M 2 3 . 6 2 " , a n d is as follows:
* A t the request of our m u t u a l f r i e n d H e l e n G.Longstre th I inclose to thee a
copy of the Constitution of our School A s s o c i a t i o n a s agreed-upon b y a joint Committee
of NjfYork & P h i i a
d
friends subject to a d o p t i o n b y o u r first m e e t i n g on third day of
next w e e k .
*Thou w
ilt
o b s e r v e that the b a s i s of v o t i n g for M a n a g e r s is the n u m b e r of shares
of s t o c k , a feature u n i v e r s a l l y a p p r o v e d b y the m o n e y e d m e n in N . Y o r k & g e n e r a l l y ,
though not u n i v e r s a l l y , b y the shareholders h e r e .
On the score of J u s t i c e there is
m u c h to be said in favor of t h i s , though it is r e g a r d e d b y some a s not sufficiently
demonratic for a F r i e n d s ' o r g a n i z a t i o n .
T h e question will h a v e to be m e t in a spirit
of concession or compromise at the m e e t i n g & I h o p e will not interfere w i t h the cordial
& u n i t e d a c t i o n of the A s s o c i a t i o n .
H e l e n y r d q u e s t s m e to inform thee that a m e e t i n g of
our P h i l a d e l p h i a Committee w i l l b e h e l d on 2 n d d a y E v e n i n g at w h i c h w e shall b e g l a d to
see any of our friends from a d i s t a n c e . P e r h a p s a t that time some m e a s u r e m a y b e 1J%.(]>.
v iyi
' «J
1 V o l - p p . 569, /^08\584jy
7 ~
-Bfc^ T h e original is in Friends* HistorifialJLibrary, Swarthmore C o l l e g e .
/
-65-=>—3r
A p r i n t e d , one-page leaflet was d i s t r i b u t e d a m o n g the m e m b e r s b e f o r e the a n n u a l
jeting, w h i c h read as follows:
•"The following Constitution w a s p r e p a r e d b y a Joint Committee of Friends of
;w Y o r k a n d P h i l a d e l p h i a , a n d a p p r o v e d b y the C o n f e r e n c e h e l d in the former city, a n d
r the A c t i n g Committee composed of F r i e n d s from P e n n s y l v a n i a , N e w J e r s e y a n d D e l a w a r e .
; will be submitted for discussion a n d a d o p t i o n at the ^Pirst a n n u a l m e e t i n g of the
tso ciation.
C O N S T I T U T I O N
•tide I.
The name of t h i ^ A s s o c i a t i o n shall be " F r i e n d s ' U n i o n B o a r d i n g School
Association.*
fc
•ticle I I .
u
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The m e m b e r s shall consist of those p e r s o n s , m a l e a n d f e m a l e , who shall b e c o m e
stockholders u n d e r a n act of incorporation to be h e r e a f t e r o b t a i n e d .
The
Capital Stock shall b e $ 5 0 , 0 0 0 , w h i c h m a y b e ^ f r o m time to time, as way o p e n s ,
increased to any sum not e x c e e d i n g $200,000; to be d i v i d e d into shares of the
v a l u e of $25 each, transferable on the b o o k s of the A s s o c i a t i o n only w i t h
the consent of the B o a r d of M a n a g e r s .
•ticle I I I . The first m e e t i n g of the A s s o c i a t i o n shall be h e l d on the 1st 3 d day in 12th
M o n t h , 1 8 6 2 , at 3 o'clock in the a f t e r n o o n , in the city of P h i l a d e l p h i a , a n d
those held t h e r e a f t e r , a t such times a n d p l a c e s as shall b e designated by
the A s s o c i a t i o n .
Clerks shall be a p p o i n t e d at each a n n u a l m e e t i n g , who shall
m a k e a n d p r e s e r v e regular m i n u t e s of the p r o c e e d i n g s , subject to a d o p t i o n by
0 the m e e t i n g at the t i m e .
Special m e e t i n g s of the A s s o c i a t i o n shall be called
at the written request of any twenty m e m b e r s ,
ticle I V .
Sixteen Managers of each s e x , shall be elected at each annual m e e t i n g , u n d e r
the care of three inspectors of e l e c t i o n , to b e a p p o i n t e d b y the A s s o c i a t i o n
at the t i m e .
T h e y shall all b e m e m b e r s of the Society of F r i e n d s .
The mem-
bers of either of the Y e a r l y M e e t i n g s on this c o n t i n e n t , subscribing; ten
55 "• l a
I
H-*^
thousand dollars to the capital s t o c k , shall h e represented in the B o a r d
of M a n a g e r s .
The election shall h e by b a l l o t , and v o t e s b y p r o x y shall
be r e c e i v e d .
Each share shall b e counted as one v o t e , a n d a m a j o r i t y of
votes cast shall determine the e l e c t i o n .
Should the A s s o c i a t i o n fail to
elect at any annual m e e t i n g , the Managers of the p r e v i o u s y e a r shall continue in office u n t i l successors are e l e c t e d .
Article V .
'The B o a r d of Managers shall a p p o i n t their own o f f i c e r s , and shall frame
By-Laws for their g o v e r n m e n t , subject to the approval of the A s s o c i a t i o n .
When the amount of the capital stock is subscribed a n d one-half p a i d i n ,
they shall p r o v i d e for the p u r c h a s e , e r e c t i o n , f u r n i s h i n g a n d future management of the S c h o o l , w h i c h it is the object of this A s s o c i a t i o n to establish - but they shall at no time incur expenses b e y o n d the available resources
of the current six m o n t h s .
T h e y shall a p p o i n t a T r e a s u r e r of the A s s o c i a -
t i o n , who shall collect a n d h o l d the f u n d s , subject to the order of such
committees or officers as they m a y a u t h o r i z e to draw u p o n h i m , and shall
audit and settle his a c c o u n t s at least twice a y e a r .
T h e y shall m a k e full
reports of their p r o c e e d i n g s to the m e m b e r s at the a n n u a l m e e t i n g s of the
A s s o c i a t i o n , a n d a p r i n t e d copy of their report shall be furnished to each
of the m e m b e r s .
H
Article V I .
Uo alteration to this Constitution* shall b e m a d e except at a stated m e e t i n g
of the A s s o c i a t i o n , by a v o t e art itrr f a v » r , either in p e r s o n or by p r o x y ,
of a m a j o r i t y of a l l the stock h e l d at the t i m e .
T h r e e m o n t h s previous
notice of the p r o p o s e d change shall be given to each m e m b e r
ciation.
11
**After its final adoption.'
^ ^ ^
of the
Asso-
oatured w h i c h w i l l o b t a i n the u n i t e d a s s e n t of the m e m b e r s on the following d a y .
* W e are g r e a t l y encouraged about the concern g e n e r a l l y - _ ^ a n y Conferences h a v e
>een h e l d throughout P e n n s y l v a n i a a n d N e w J e r s e y & a t W i l m i n g t o n , D e l a w a r e .
A s these
lave b e e n all spoken of in the Intelligencer thee m u s t b e aware that they h a v e g i v e n
is great e n c o u r a g e m e n t , not only expressed by subscriptions b u t b y other A equally
.mportant evidences of approval & u n i t y w i t h the d e s i g n .
* T h e r e is every p r o s p e c t of $ 5 0 , 0 0 0 b e i n g subscribed b y the time of the m e e t i n g
: though we all feel that such a sum is quite i n a d e q u a t e to the o b j e c t , it seems generally to b e concluded that we shall b e justified in organizing a n d g e t t i n g
estimates,
.ooking out for a site & c .
"^As far as I a m a c q u a i n t e d w i t h the v i e w s of friends h e r e & in N Y o r k they p r e f e r
, location quite adjacent to this city a n d one w h i c h will b e a c c e s s a b l e to P r o f e s s o r s
iving in t h i ^ city & who could b e employed by the h o u r or by the L e c t u r e , so a s n o t
o encounter the responsibility of employing a l l the talent r e q u i r e d , for the exclusive
enefit of the school.
* B y the draft of a
flonstitution
thee w i l l p e r c e i v e that a l l the details a r e
isely taken out of the h a n d s of the stockholders & entrusted to the B of M a n a g e r s ,
his fact m a k e s it important that F r i e n d s from the different l o c a l i t i e s shall l o o k out
ery discreet a n d intelligenct men^jasd. w o m e n s e l e c t e d w i t h exclusive regard to their
u a l i f i c a t i o n s ; in the first a p p o i n t m e n t this is especially important a n d I m e n t i o n it
ow that, if w a y o p e n s , it m a y b e m a d e the subject of consultation a m o n g Friends of
altimore b e f o r e the C o m m i t t e e on N o m i n a t i o n s is a p p o i n t e d .
**Hoping to see thee w i t h a full d e l e g a t i o n from y o u r Y . M who w i l l b e m a d e v e r y
elcome in o u r city I subscribe
thy f r i e n d
E D W A R D PARRISH.'*"
B e n j a m i n Hallowell a t t e n d e d the m e e t i n g s of the committee a n d the A s s o c i a t i o n in
/*Ur
h i l a d e l p h i a , o n the 1 s t . a n d 2 n d . of D e c e m b e r , a n d to them wentj^Martha T y s o n a n d m a n y
ther leaders in the s c h o o l - m o v e m e n t .
The F r i e n d s ' Intelligencer f o r T w e l f t h M o n t h 1 3 ,
"It
862 g i v e s the following account of the m e e t i n g s : ^ O r g a n i z a t i o n Of F r i e n d s ' Educational
- V o l .A \T\l-)P. 6 3 2 .
A s s o c i a t i o n . - O n the second, i n s t a n t , the first general m e e t i n g w a s h e l d of the subscribers to the School fund w h i c h is b e i n g r a i s e d w i t h i n the l i m i t s of the three YearlyMeetings of H e w Y o r k , P h i l a d e l p h i a a n d B a l t i m o r e .
F r i e n d s from w i d e l y separated l o c a l i t i e s .
T h e a t t e n d a n c e w a s large and embraced
T h e chief business of the m e e t i n g was the
o r g a n i z a t i o n of an association for the e s t a b l i s h m e n t of a n institution for the h i g h e r
b r a n c h e s of e d u c a t i o n , u n d e r the care of F r i e n d s .
The Constitution w h i c h h a d b e e n pre-
rr>
p a r e d b y a joint Committee of F r i e n d s , of H e w Y o r k a.nd P h i l a d e l p h i a , h a d b e e n submitted for revision to a Committee a p p o i n t e d on the p r e v i o u s e v e n i n g , a n d now p r o p o s e d for
a d o p t i o n w i t h some a m e n d m e n t s .
j
T h e n a m e , " F r i e n d s ' Educational A s s o c i a t i o n , " a n d the
g e n e r a l features of the o r g a n i z a t i o n , w e r e readily a g r e e d u p o n , but a s p i r i t e d discussion a r o s e on the a r t i c l e p r o v i d i n g for the election of M a n a g e r s .
This election
1
was to b e by the s t o c k h o l d e r s , v o t i n g b y p r o x y o r o t h e r w i s e . E a c h share to be c o u n t e d
a s one v o t e , a n d a m a j o r i t y of the v o t e s c a s t to determine the e l e c t i o n .
It was ob-
j e c t e d to b y some, who a d v o c a t e d a n o r g a n i z a t i o n in w h i c h the c h o i c e of M a n a g e r s should {
b e decided b y the equal voice of all the s h a r e h o l d e r s . J ^ f r e e a n d interesting discussion e n s u e d , w h i c h resulted in the a d o p t i o n of the p r o v i s i o n f o r a stock v o t e a s prop o s e d in the draft of the C o n s t i t u t i o n .
The g r o u n d s of this d e c i s i o n w e r e , that the
i
election of Managers w a s the a p p r o p r i a t e o c c a s i o n for a v o t e r e p r e s e n t i n g the p e c u r n
iary interests i n v o l v e d , while o n all questions coming before the A s s o c i a t i o n , including the a d o p t i o n of B y - l a w s , its m e m b e r s e n j o y e d a n equal right in d e t e r m i n i n g the
decisions.
B o a r d of M a n a g e r s w a s a p p o i n t e d f o r the coming y e a r b y the u n a n i m o u s consent
of the © e m b e r s ; a n d a s the capital stock p r o v i d e d f o r a s a b e g i n n i n g , $ 5 0 , 0 0 0 . h a s
already b e e n s u b s c r i b e d , it is p r o b a b l e that steps w i l l b e taken to l o c a t e the Institution a n d obtain a suitable c h a r t e r .
In the m e a n time it is p r o p o s e d to u r g e the
subject on the attention of F r i e n d s still f u r t h e r , especially throughout the limits of
P h i l a d e l p h i a Yearly M e e t i n g , where it is felt only a beginning h a s a s y e t b e e n m a d e .
vi
local Committee has b e e n a p p o i n t e d , w h o , w e l e a r n , w i l l soon issue a n address to
fiends g e n e r a l l y , a s k i n g their c o - o p e r a t i o n , b y w h i c h it is h o p e d facilities w i l l b e
rovided for a n education w i t h i n the influence of the Society of F r i e n d s , equal to a n y
lrnished b y other religious d e n o m i n a t i o n s , a n d superior to the ordinary collegiate
>urse, in its a d a p t a t i o n to the w a n t s of a l l , of b o t h s e x e s .
2*The late m e e t i n g furnished cause of g r e a t encouragement in the large a t t e n d a n c e ,
id the evidence furnished that the concern is b a s e d in m a n y m i n d s on religious g r o u n d s .
ie settlement of the basis of o r g a n i z a t i o n , a f t e r a full and f r e e d i s c u s s i o n of the
•inciples i n v o l v e d , a n d the spirit of c o n c i l i a t i o n a n d g o o d w i l l w h i c h p r e v a i l e d ,
•oved the paramount interest felt in the success of the e n t e r p r i s e , a n d argued w e l l
.r its future.*
The
11
Constitutions!
'' .yl//!*{.
1
I Si. ^
^
a d o p t e d in these m e e t i n g s w a s p r i n t e d i m m e d i a t e l y ,
and pre-
.xed by the following notej^At a m e e t l y h e l d at R a c e Street M e e t i n g - H o u s e , P h i l a d e l Lia, on the third of Twelfth m o n t h , 1 8 6 2 , the Subscribers to the f u n d for establishing
B o a r d i n g School u n d e r the care of F r i e n d s , in w h i c h a liberal e d u c a t i o n m a y b e obd n e d b y the y o u t h of b o t h s e x e s , a n d teachers trained to take charge of n e i g h b o r h o o d
:hools, & c . , a draft of a Constitution w h i c h w a s submitted b y a Committee p r e v i o u s l y
rpointed, was read, a n d after some amendment q a s a d o p t e d , as followsj
^ E x t r a c t e d from the M i n u t e s .
" D i l l w y n P a r r i s h , Clerk.*'
_ ~ T h o Coflstlbuticm cumpxises ai;*'articles, the first of w h i e h V g i v e a tho noma
— .
h-'frmda' Edmoatiioaal Aaoeciatsion.'"—Article II defines tho momhrrr; nfi the aoeociation- h o ink " tho so p o r c o n o ! male a n d - f e m a l e , wae bhall bauumu atouMioldursv^mdc.g an A c t
1-jhirtt.oipiXri.Llun lo b e hereafter obtaiiiud."
x n s capital bluck wau to b e at\firat
flyOOfrrtK) "wPt^rh m a y h o inoroa'aod, from time to tiqioi as w n y o p e n s , to any cia^net•ccoding $500,008}» the sliaiub of stock w o r e to b o - $ 3 5 o&eli in v a l u o * — A r t i c l e
HI
- "Philadelphia: Merrihew & T h o m p s o n , P r i n t e r s , N o . 126 S o u t h secondjstreet, 1 8 6 2 " ;
32 m o , 11 p a g e s . T h e Constitution w a s p r i n t e d also in the F r i e n d s ' Intelligencer
for T w e l f t h M o n t h 2 7 , 1 8 6 2 ( V o l . M ^ T O ? . 6 6 4 - 6 $ .
arovido^ fog the holding of rcguljii annual mid special m e e t i n g of the a s s o c i a t i o n ,
m d for the appointment, at each o m m a l m e e t i n g , of a "Olerfc a n d Asoiotant Olerk, who
r^giilnr mlmrhn of t.hr, prnre"r"i'-,i7co,
rtinU in,Hi i Mini
iho meeting at tho
ftitl
tomT^
^
t V r •"1iI,ii1 1]ln ^f
l ^ f c ™ * .
TY^Trriin thn giif^iifcti
fff^&fe^"^^•
"
^ Z t Z f i ^ ^ j ? S^
•t-did= for tho election of a Duard of Manage!b, Lu whum were loft all the dotailo-of
J
tarrying on the w o r k . — T h e share-liulflertj wbrt
^
r " " ? Mfiirfg
Lu ulcib the mftnagora annually "by ballot
v H ) j "rrfh fTinrr nlmH >n rfrmrtind nn limn v"tr, nnfl « m.forw
•ty of tho votoa oaot shall. determine Lhu uluctlon. -—ghit? art i til if jjiuvlded
r^tv^L^^^K
at,
Jthe following persons shall act as Managers till others a r e elected, viz:
Edward P a r r i s h ,
Deborah f . W h a r t o n ,
David J . G r i s c o m ,
A n n A . Townsend,
William D o r s e y ,
Helen G-. i o n g s t r e t h ,
Isaac Stephens,
Phebe W . Foulke,
Ezra M i c h e n e r ,
Sarah P . F l o w e r s ,
Edward H o o p e s ,
Rachel T . J a c k s o n , "
The twelve Friends named above were members of Philadelphia Yearly Meetingj
Jonathan T h o r n e ,
Hannah W . H a y d o c k ,
Samuel W i l l i t s ,
Phebe Bunting,
Samuel J . U n d e r h i l l ,
Eliza H . B e l l ,
Edward M e r r i t t ,
Sarah L . M a c y ,
Ell w o o d B u r d s a l l ,
L y d i a S . Ha.viland,
John D . H i c k s ,
v
Elizabeth H . C o c k ,
The twelve Friends named above were members of Hew Y o r k Yearly Meeting^
Benjamin H a l l o w e l l ,
M a r t h a E . Tyson,, "
Benj. Rush Roberts,
Margaret E . H a l l o w e l l ,
Gerard H . R e e s e ,
Jane S . T o w n s e n d ,
Levi K . B r o w n ,
Rebecca Turner.
The eight Friends named above were members of Baltimore Yearly Meetingj
\L.
-
1U7
-
These "sixteen Managers of each sex", all necessarily "members of the Society
' Friends"^ and an "equitable proportion of them" necessarily being members of the three
jarly Meetings "and other Yearly Meetings the members of which subscribe |$10,00cQto the
w
ind , were listed at the beginning of the little pamphlet containing the Constitution, but
i an order slightly different from that given in Article IV.
The former list names
.lliam Dorsey first, and makes him the clerk of the Board of Managers, while Edward Parrish
9U
i named last of the Philadelphia m e n .
This list names also William D . Parrish and
Lith W . Atlee as clerks, and William C . Biddle as treasurer, of the Association.
Article IV was the subject of considerable difference of Opinion, providing
3 it did for the election of the managers by the share-holders, each share counting as
le vote, and a majority of the votes cast determining the election.
This difference of
jinion was foreshadowed in the letter quoted above from Edward Parrish to 3enjamin
illowell; and it is
-
It may be that Edward Parrish was already being considered for the presidency of
the proposed institution, and that it seemed wise for his name not to be made
unduly prominent.
I f f
0
etx^eO
-v-
TtL.
'
P
-hrtlr
JUUurtML
&
O a o of tho o h w f diffioiM-tioc r o f g y r e d to "by M w a r d B n r r i a h above comes out
l o a r l y in- the folloviing letter from Denjcmlin ILillo'wcll ta W i l l i a m G r i s c o m , who w a s
ot a m e m b e r of the new B o a r d of M a n a g e r s , or a n o f f i c e r of the A s s o c i a t i o n , hut w a s a
rominent m e m b e r a n d f o r y e a r s clerk of P h i l a d e l p h i a Y e a r ^ M e e t i n g . j^LZ- is dated
Sandy S p r i n g , M d . , 1 2 m o . 1 6 t h . 1 8 6 2 " , a n d is as followsj
<*jEsteemed F r i e n d ,
I f o u n d thy k i n d letter of the 5th I n s t , a w a i t i n g m e on m y return from
hil5j( a few days a g o , a n d its contents w e r e v e r y cordial to m y f e e l i n g s .
-14, IIIIHIII
y a t i f y i n g thafr-thau found something of - interest in tho EKtraotu from the Minuteo af
ow
ato Y e a r l y M e e t i n g * — E h e p a s t y e a r won n swnnnri nf n m m n r i l in-tirr^nt rind inr trurtil'riji
1
nr.m» n-c n o ) ]r\frhftl^ft^nr af?°ftgnyfl frr ^ y th" Y ^ n ^ y Mr-t^f]', •IT ' —
^^
^^n^t-
.ag ovidonee, that whenever there is an humble effort to do good, good io• denoj • a-t
oaot to-tho individual that makes thin offnrt. -The Committees in the performance of
orflnunr Inbft-yart
Jw
nf
oil
ft^nrl;
nn
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WViftm Wflf;
nt.-pgr»gt.Vigr>ftr» _
then r
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tViry
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salutary influences were not confined to thomneTvcw.
^ I n regard to the interesting object that recently brought F r i e n d s together a t
-
'hil^ ., I have h a d m a n y thoughts s i n c e .
T h i n g s d i d not take the c o u r s e , or seem to
•est u p o n the b a s i s , I h a d calculated u p o n .
teiends,
especially so large a o n e ,
'ood for the s o u l .
I think I never a t t e n d e d an a s s e m b l y of
d u f i n g the s i t t i n g of w h i c h there w a s so little
That sweet a n d solemnized condition of f e e l i n g , e v i d e n c i n g the
Jivine presence a n d f a v o u r , w h i c h is c h a r a c t e r i s t i c of a l l our gatherings that a r e calculated to b r i n g glory to the Great H e a d o f the C h u r c h , did not seem to o b t a i n , o r even
;o b e generally l o o k e d f o r .
i -
M o n e y seemed to b e the one thing n e e d f u l , a n d the control-
T h e original of this l e t t e r is p r e s e r v e d in the F r i e n d s ' H i s t o r i c a l L i b r a r y at
Swarthmore
College.
ling
power.
It is t r u e , that w i t h o u t m o n e y , the desired Institution cannot be
e s t a b l i s h e d , a n d it therefore rightfully claims a p l a c e , indeed an important p l a c e ,
in the consideration of the s u b j e c t .
B u t , the discouraging feature w a s , that it d i d
not seem to b e remembered that there w e r e a great m a n y requisites for the establishm e n t a n d conducting of such a n Institution a s is c o n t e m p l a t e d , w h i c h m o n e y cannot b u y .
It is for these that I am most c o n c e r n e d .
I never have d o u b t e d that the m o n e y could b e
raised; but I have h a d f e a r s , a n d I must confess they were r a t h e r increased than lessened a t the recent meeting-, that a s a B o d y , we a r e not h u m b l e e n o u g h , deep e n o u g h ,
devoted e n o u g h , regardful enough of the necessity of Divine direction a n d a s s i s t a n c e ,
in every effort to do g o o d , to m o v e successfully in so important^m u n d e r t a k i n g as
that p r o p o s e d .
B e f o r e such a n Institution can b e established a n d p u t in healthy oper-
a t i o n , there m u s t b e a n amount of l a b o u r , a c c o m p a n i e d with m a n y difficulties a n d t r i a l s ,
w h i c h cannot b e accomplished a n d b o r n e without the Divine A n n to l e a h u p o n .
If I
could h a v e seen at the m e e t i n g , indications of even an equal concern u p o n this p o i n t ,
as upon obtaining the p e c u n i a r y m e a n s , it w o u l d h a v e b e e n m o r e comforting to m e . S t i l l ,
a f t e r saying all t h i s , I am g l a d to b e a b l e to a d d , that I a m not w h o l l y discouraged*
A s we r e a d in another r e l a t i o n , "that is n o t first w h i c h is s p i r i t u a l , b u t that w h i c h
is n a t u r a l , a n d a f t e r w a r d that w h i c h is spiritual"; a n d the n a t u r a l seems essential
a s p r e p a r a t o r y to the s p i r i t u a l . Somewhat a n a l a g o u s ,
things b e in the p r e s e n t instance, if only
I have faith to believe, w i l l
those who feel the weight a n d importance of
of the u n d e r t a k i n g , will be true to their d u t y .
T h e a r t i c l e ! of the Constitution w h i c h
was so m u c h objected t o , caused m e m u c h less u n e a s i n e s s than what I h a v e
h i n t e d a t . On
the principle stated in the Committee that thou a n d I , w i t h o t h e r s , were o n , and in
the general m e e t i n g , and re-asserted in F r i e n d s ' Intelligencer of last 7 t h . d a y , the
mo<|e of v o t i n g in w h i c h each share c o u n t s , is to be u s e d in the E l e c t i o n of M a n a g e r s .
a n d in that instance a l o n e .
It was also stated in o u r C o m . & a c t e d on in the g e n e r a l
m e e t i n g , that the subscribers b e l o n g i n g to each Y . M . w i l l b e p r i v i l e g e d to nominate the
Managers of their
own n u m b e r , to w h o m they w o u l d w i s h to entrust the management o f
their interest in the I n s t i t u t i o n , a n d that the F r i e n d s thus n o m i n a t e d w o u l d he elected
at the general m e e t i n g .
T h e p r a c t i c a l w o r k i n g of t h i s , then, w o u l d h e w i t h u s , that
all the time of our Y . M . there w o u l d h e a m e e t i n g of o u r s u b s c r i b e r s , a n d others int e r e s t e d in the cause of E d u c a t i o n , a t w h i c h full information w o u l d b e g i v e n , bj^ the
Managers of the operations of the I n s t i t u t i o n , a n d everything c o n n e c t e d w i t h the interesting subject of Education that m i g h t b e of b e n e f i t to those p r e s e n t , a n d calculated to awaken a sense of the importance of h a v i n g a g o o d School w i t h i n the easy
reach of a l l our young m e m b e r s w h e r e v e r s i t u a t e d , a n d a t the close of the m e e t i n g , the
names of Managers to b e p r o p o s e d to the general m e e t i n g would be a g r e e d u p o n , in the
rcay Friends u s u a l l y decide^ such m a t t e r s , not u s i n g the share v o t e s a t a l l .
Indeed
liany of ts w o u l d n o t feel free to u s e them in the general m e e t i n g , but each individual
subscriber h a v e b u t one vote or v o i c e .
4*12 m o 2 3 .
'/as interrupted.
I h a d p r o c e e d e d thus far in m y letter just one w e e k a g o , w h e n I
I h a v e now just r e t u r n e d f r o m B a l t i m o r e .
W e h a d a v e r y full a n d in-
teresting m e e t i n g last evening of the S u b s c r i b e r s to the School fund w h o are m e m b e r s
>f our Y . M . a n d all a g r e e d to a d h e r e to their subscriptions QS it respects the Constitution .
T h e r e w a s m u c h solicitude h o w e v e r felt a n d expressed on the subject of lo-
;ation, w h i c h is regarded of v i t a l i m p o r t a n c e .
If it is to b e in o r near a City, in-
ismuch a s we b e l i e v e it dould not then p o s s i b l y supply the want that w e f e e l , o u r iit;erest in the concern w o u l d b e m a t e r i a l l y d i m i n i s h e d , if not w h o l l y l o s t .
Thy sincere^
M . GHISCOM
BEHj!
HALLOWELL
W i l l i a m D o r s e y , the clerk of the n e w B o a r d o f M a n a g e r s , sent a p r i n t e d copy of
;he Constitution to B e n j a m i n H a l l o w e l l , who w r o t e h i m the following l e t t e r : >pSaiidy
Ipring, M d . , 12 m o . 2 7 t h . 1 8 6 2 .
E s t e e m e d F r i e n d , T h y k i n d l e t t e r of the 1 5 t h . I n s t , enclosing a 'Proof' of the*
>-
T h e original of this letter is p r e s e r v e d in the Friends' H i s t o r i c a l L i b r a r y at
J
Swarthmore C o l l e g e .
ffa'f if
150
-
1
T h e m e e t i n g in B a l t i m o r e , r e f e r r e d to in the a b o v e a n d the f o l l o w i n g letters
of Benjamin H a l l o w e l l , w a s described in a p r i n t e d c i r c u l a r issued b y it as follows:
^ E s t e e m e d Friend;
^ A t a m e e t i n g of F r i e n d s ' E d u c a t i o n a l A s s o c i a t i o n , m e m b e r s of Baltim o r e Y e a r l y M e e t i n g , h e l d at the C o m m i t t e e R o o m s , on L o m b a r d s t r e e t , 12th m o n t h , 2 2 d ,
1 8 6 2 , the u n d e r s i g n e d were a p p o i n t e d to carry f o r w a r d some of the objects of the Assoc i a t i o n , a n d to request thee and the o t h e r F r i e n d s n a m e d b e l o w , to w h o m w e h a v e also sent
this c i r c u l a r , a n d w h o have been a p p o i n t e d a c o m m i t t e e f o r the p u r p o s e , to collect the
first installment of five d o l l a r s , p e r share of twenty-five dollars e a c h , (payable in
installments of five dollars every six m o n t h s , ) from those w h o have a l r e a d y s u b s c r i b e d ,
within the limits of y o u r Monthly M e e t i n g , for the establishment of a n institution a s
suggested in the p u b l i s h e d "ADDRESS" on the s u b j e c t , i s s u e d a b o u t two y e a r s a g o by the
three Y e a r l y M e e t i n g s of N e w Y o r k , P h i l a d e l p h i a a n d B a l t i m o r e , a copy of w h i c h w e also
send; a n d a l s o , to a i d in increasing the list of s t o c k h o l d e r s , by c a l l i n g the a t t e n t i o n
of y o u r m e m b e r s to the subject a t the close of y o u r next M o n t h l y M e e t i n g .
* 0 u r F r i e n d s of N e w Y o r k a n d P h i l a d e l p h i a h a v e completed their quotas sufficiently for a commencement of the w o r k as soon a s ours is o b t a i n e d , a n d it is incumbent o n u s
to do all w e can to a i d this m o s t important concern; for it is b e l i e v e d the future welfare of our b e l o v e d S o c i e t y , a n d the support of its righteous t e s t i m o n i e s , in no small
degree depends u p o n the g u a r d e d religious education of those w h o a r e to b e c o m e its standard-bearers in the f u t u r e .
flPhe Constitution a d o p t e d a t the late c o n f e r e n c e of the Stockholders of N e w Y o r k ,
P h i l a d e l p h i a a n d B a l t i m o r e , h e l d a t P h i l a d e l p h i a , contains some features not entirely
satisfactory to our F r i e n d s , but the m e e t i n g u n a n i m o u s l y expressed its confidence in our
Friends of the other Yearly M e e t i n g s , that they w o u l d not u s e their p o w e r in any w a y to
increase the b u r d e n s of those amongst u s so deeply c o n c e r n e d f o r the w e l f a r e of o u r Zion
a n d the enlargement of h e r b o r d e r s .
150 -
1
a
^ H e hope y o u r efforts a s a c o n c u r i n g c o m m i t t e e w i l l s h o w , by a n increased
list of S t o c k h o l d e r s , y o u r interest in this interesting c o n c e r n .
T h e installments col-
lected, y o u w i l l p l e a s e t r a n s m i t , a s soon a s p o s s i b l e , to G e r a r d H . R e e s e , w h o h a s b e e n
appointed R e c e i v e r for our Y e a r l y M e e t i n g , or .to a n y one of this C o m m i t t e e .
Baltimore, 1 2 t h m o . 3 1 s t , 1862
JAMES BAYNES,
)
J A C O B BURROUGHS
)
ELI M . L A M B ,
)
ED7L S T A B L E R , J r . , ) C o m m i t t e e .
GERARD H . BEESE, )
CYRUS B L A C K B U R N , )
)
)Committee a p p o i n t e d
)
)
for
)
) Monthly
rhose who h a v e a l r e a d y subscribed of y o u r Monthly M e e t i n g a r e
Meeting,
(
C o n s t i t u t i o n , w a s duly r e e d .
I have a t t e n d e d , d u r i n g the p r e s e n t w e e k , two m e e t i n g s
of the Subscribers to the School F u n d , one in this n e i g h b o r h o o d , a n d one in B a l t i m o r e ,
w h i c h e m b r a c e d the greater number of the Subscribers b e l o n g i n g to our Y e a r l y M e e t i n g .
While all w e r e opposed to that p a r t of the C o n s t i t u t i o n w h i c h a l l o w s a Vote to every
share of s t o c k , y e t such was the desire for harmonious a c t i o n in the cause a l l h a v e
so m u c h at h e a r t , a n d so deep the interest in the C o n c e r n , that no subscription w a s
withdrawn in consequence; on the c o n t r a r y , several Subscribers w e r e added to the p r e vious l i s t .
These meetings were very harmonious, animated, and encouraging.
I ob-
serve in the p r i n t e d C o n s t i t u t i o n , a s we r e c e i v e d it in B a l t i m o r e , some e r r o r s , w h i c h
I regret.
O n p a g e 5 , it s a y s , the m e e t i n g w a s h e l d "on the third of T w e l f t h M o n t h " , -
it w a s the s e c o n d .
T h i s h o w e v e r is n f no g e n e r a l i m p o r t a n c e .
<*The first p a r a g r a p h in A r t . II is not w h a t w a s a d o p t e d b y the m e e t i n g . A c c o r d ing to this A r t * , w h i c h w a s originally as p r i n t e d , there a r e now no "members of the
A s s o c i a t i o n " , a n d there can b e none till a f t e r an a c t of Incorporation shall be obtained.
In o r d e r to obviate this d i f f i c u l t y , this A r t . w a s a m e n d e d in the Committee
to w h i c h the Constitution w a s referred on 2 n d day e v e n i n g , a n d the A m e n d m e n t they p r o posed w a s a d o p t e d b y the m e e t i n g .
W i t h that h a r m o n y a n d c o n f i d e n c e ^ h o w e v e r that
happily p r e v a i l a m o n g u s , and I trust m a y ever c o n t i n u e , the letter of the Constitution
is of but little m o m e n t .
^ I f m y health will a d m i t of m y doing s o , it is now m y p r o s p e c t to m e e t w i t h the
r
managers o n the l, :th of next m o n t h , a n d m y p r i n c i p a l object of troubling thee w i t h a
letter a t this t i m e , i s , to suggest for the c o n s i d e r a t i o n of thyself a n d other F r i e n d s ,
the p r o p r i e t y of h a v i n g a m e e t i n g of the C o m m i t t e e a p p o i n t e d o n L o c a t i o n in the forenoon of that d a y , say a t 10 o ' c l o c k .
The distance tha,t some of u s h a v e to g o , a n d
especially a s w e have to set out b e f o r e day-light in the m o r n i n g , a n d travel some
13 miles b y S t a g e , m a k e s it desirable to a c c o m p l i s h as m u c h a s can b e done w e l l , a t a
single j o u r n e y .
N o w , a s t h o u a r t C l e r k of the B o a r d of M a n a g e r s , a n d , if I remember
c o r r e c t l y , a m e m b e r of the C o m . o n L o c a t i o n , t h o u hast the subjects/that w i l l claim at-
^ y / z -
t e n t i o n so b e f o r e t h e e , a s to enable thee to give a little d i r e c t i o n to the business
to b e transacted; a n d thou wouldst c o n f e r a great k i n d n e s s on u s distant members, if
x
ua
thou w i l t a r r a n g e m a t t e r s so as to dispose of a s m u c h business a s p o s s i b l e whi^fa we
are there.
A detention of a few days to c o m p l e t e a n y business w h i l e in the C i t y , w o u l d
b e m u c h less o n e r o u s , than the long a n d w e a r i s o m e journey to get t h e r e .
•&1 cannot expect thee fully to excuse m y s e e m i n g u r g e n c y u p o n this p o i n t , till
thou h a s t to bear the b u r d e n of considerably o v e r three score w i n t e r s about with thee
in thy travels: then thoil w i l t u n d e r s t a n d why I w i s h a s few journeys of 1 5 0 m i l e s
e a c h , a n d p a r t w a y b y S t a g e , a s a r e compatible w i t h the p r o p e r p e r f o r m a n c e of m y d u t y .
T h y sincere f r d ,
M
H
W . DORSEY.
BENJ .
HALLOWELL
T h e s e letters b r i n g out in h i g h r e l i e f ^ the m i n g l e d spirituality a n d strong
common sense of B e n j a m i n H a l l o w e l l ' s rare n a t u r e .
A s " a concerned F r i e n d " , h e w a s
eager that the b u s i n e s s connected w i t h the new school should p r o c e e d in the timeh o n o r e d custom of F r i e n d s , nfiEmely, n o t by v o t e , still less by v o t e accordin^io the
n u m b e r of shares of stock p o s s e s s e d b y the v o t e r , b u t o n the d e m o c r a t i c , Q u a k e r
b a s i s of human equality a n d D i v i n e u n i t y .
H e w a s thoroughly c o o p e r a t i v e , h o w e v e r ,
as these letters s h o w , a n d the rejection of h i s m e t h o d of p r o c e d u r e d i d n o t slow u p
in the slightest^degree h i s w o r k for the s c h o o l .
T h e obnoxious feature in the Con-
stitution w a s changed b y the A s s o c i a t i o n in M a y ^ 1 8 6 3 , a n d w h e n the stock-holding
feature w a s finally a b o l i s h e d , the M a n a g e r s b e c a m e self-perpetuating; but they h a v e
cdssasrsfretained the custom of p r o c e e d i n g "in u n i t y " , insteadpf b y votej^; h e n c e that
p a r t of B e n j a m i n H a l l o w e l l ' s desire finally
triumphed.
That this o b j e c t i o n to the C o n s t i t u t i o n w a s p e r s i s t e n t a n d influential is
n
evident from the following brief letter in the I n t e l l i g e n e r f o r F i f t h M o n t h 3 0 , 1 8 6 3 :
<$f - V o l . 2 ^ , p p . 1|9 - 80."
r
66
1-
^ T h e obstacle in the way of a general interest in the education m o v e m e n t , a n d
cordial and extensive support t h e r e o f , a p p e a r s to b e the o f f e n s i v e clause in the
.dopted c o n s t i t u t i o n .
The p r o p e r t y qualification o r r e p r e s e n t a t i o n , is a new feature
n the management of Friends' concerns, a n d is l o o k e d u p o n w i t h distrust a n d sorrow by
iary of the best friends of the m o v e m e n t , as a departure from the p r i m i t i v e a n d bea.u,iful(power of truth, w h i c h have ever b e e n the g u i d i n g , a n d deciding influences in the
K
Lirection of our a f f a i r s .
^ T h i s feeling amounts w i t h some to a c o n v i c t i o n of
;hem to oppose the objectionable
clause.
^ W h e n this f e a t u r e is r e m o v e d , a n d it ought to b e done at o n c e , additional
.aborers in the cause w i l l p r e s e n t themselves, the w o r k w i l l p r o g r e s s m o r e rapidly,
aid w h a t is of v i t a l importance, it w i l l go on in the u n i t y .
A
•aSubscriber.
5th m o . , 1 5 t h , 1 8 6 3 .
0
J)
tfy( J U L ^
Another of the objections which the founders of the Quaker college h a d to
neet was, stated a n d answered in an article written for the Intelligencer of Third Month
M
38, 1363.'
It was signed "A.B.C.", and was in part as follows:
^EDUCATION
^ D o we understand what it means?
imperfect perceotion of its import?
Do we not rather use the word with a very
In its popular sense, it signifies instruction
in letters, human science, and various accomplishments which are considered essential
to refinement.
So entirely distinct is it from a moral and religious training, that
in order to designate it in this sense, we attach a p r e f i x , and call it a religious
education.
A g a i n , among F r i e n d s , so careful are they that even religious instruction
should b e characterized by simplicity, a n d free from what are denominated dogmas,
that we speak of a 'guarded' religious education.
The popular notion excludes the idea
of incorporating divine things with a system of culture and advancement in learning,
and even the notion of Friends implies that there is an education that is not re-
QJ^Msis
l i g i o u s . 7/Lvx.
a
world has acted u p o n this principle regarding religious things, until it
has grown to be a popular theory, outside of the circle of Friends, that m e n must be
educated for the ministry, that they m a y be qualified to teach the truths of the g o s p e l .
Such is a perfectly hatura.1 and rational conclusion from the premises accepted by a l l ,
Friends not excluded.
We draw the l i n e , - make the distinction, and are responsible
for the sequence.
4*33ut a better .brighter day is d a w n i h g .
T h e Society of Friends is now m a k i n g a
new and remarkable h i s t o r y , the record of which will be valued in future generations,
in proportion as it may exhibit broad and liberal p r i n c i p l e s .
c
ever the watchword in this Society.
Education is more than
Thousands of dollars a r e b e i n g subscribed, and large
plans are being thought out for the better education of y o u t h .
A n d while the leaven
c
is stirring the m i n d and heart of the So/jiety, while conferences and meetings are being
held _in city', town and country, let one leading thought animate a n d control the w o r k .
'
76-
et that thought h e , How shall we educate our children to h e g o o d a n d useful?
1
While
e give them solid l e a r n i n g , and even elegant a c c o m p l i s h m e n t s , h o w shall we instruct
hem in those p r i n c i p l e s which a r e equally valuable in the formation of character for m e n
n all the different pursuits of life?
In s h o r t , h o w shall w e teach them to he true
ien, n o h l e , dignified, h o n o r a b l e , large men?
If education fails to do t h i s , it fails
>f its highest p u r p o s e . - ~ - -^Business, t r a d e s , p r o f e s s i o n s , g o v e r n m e n t , l a w , the domestic a n d social relations, w i t h all their duties and enjoyments, should h e m a d e a p a r t of education; not
>f a religious and. secular education d i v i d e d , h u t of a comprehensive education which
embraces the l i f e , the business l i f e , the p o l i t i c a l l i f e , the d o m e s t i c ^ l i f e , the social
Life, into each rule of which should b e i n f u s e d , as an essential q u a l i t y , the t h o u g h t ,
I m u s t honor my M a k e r in all m y a c t s , a n d in a l l m y m o t i v e s .
I m u s t not h o n o r m y
profession a s a F r i e n d , a n d thus m a g n i f y ray Society a n d its founders; that should not be
my m o t i v e , but I m u s t h o n o r Him who called m e to b e the instrument to do h i s w i l l . - - - ~
4*With the n a m e , and d o c t r i n e , a n d h o p e , a n d l o v e of the w o r l d ' s Redeemer in
our h e a r t s a n d l i v e s , go forth f r e e , into a p l e n t e o u s h a r v e s t f i e l d , a n d labor while
the day l a s t s .
A n d w h a t more delightful and h o p e f u l labor than to draw out the m i n d s
of youth into the p a t h w a y of science, p h i l o s o p h y , a n d a l l l e a r n i n g , b e l i e v i n g it to b e
divine, a n d seeing divinity in it u n t i l they grow into the same n a t u r e , a n d b e c o m e heirs
of the same riches.
T h u s , w i t h the spirit's l i g h t a r e we l e d a l o n g u n t i l w e grow u p
into our living H e a d , in all things; n o t all spiritual t h i n g s , b u t in all t h i n g s , eating
drinking, working, voting, buying, selling, living and dying.
M e a n w h i l e , the new "Board of Managers of F r i e n d s Educational Association"
eld its first m e e t i n g in R a c e Street M e e t i n g - h o u s e , P h i l a d e l p h i a , on the 2 n d . of 1 2 t h .
onth, 1862.
The m i n u t e s , of the B o a r d , still p r e s e r v e d in the original
record-hook
joa.
t Swarthmore C o l l e g e ,
do not name the twenty-five of the thirty-two m e m b e r s who were
resent; but they tell u s that the following a p p o i n t m e n t s w e r e m a d e :
William Dorsey,
lerkj^of the Board; W i l l i a m D . P a r r i s h and E l i z a b e t h W . A t l e e , Clerks of the A s s o c i a t i o n ;
illism C . B i d d l e , Treasurer; W i l l i a m D o r s e y , E d w a r d P a r r i s h a n d E d w a r d H o o p e s , a comittee "to obtain the draft of a charter"; a n d J o n a t h a n T h o r n e , Samuel W i l l e t t s , Benjalin H a l l o w e l l , Isaac S t e v e n s , David J . G-riscom, B . H u s h R o b e r t s , E d w a r d H o o p e s , Edward
arrisa and William D o r s e y , a committee
11
to inquire into the subject of the location of
he p r o p o s e d School."
The Board then a d j o u r n e d , a n d m e t at the same p l a c e o n the 1 3 t h . of 1 s t .
'onth, 1 8 6 3 .
T w e n t y - f o u r m e m b e r s w e r e p r e s e n t at this m e e t i n g .
T h e committee appointed
;o obtain the draft of a charter "reported the following w h i c h was r e a d , carefully eximined, and referred to the same Committee who are a u t h o r i z e d to p r o c u r e the necessary
ict of incorporation and to obtain a design for a. seal."
Benjamin Hallowell's desire to have the committee on l o c a t i o n m e e t on the
lorninsr of the 1 3 t h . b e f o r e the m e e t i n g of the b o a r d , w a s p r o b a b l y fulfilled; for the
;ommittee reported to the b o a r d that day that it h a d g i v e n "attention to the s u b j e c t " ,
m d was "continued."
This m e e t i n g of the h o a r d p r o b a b l y o c c u r r e d in the a f t e r n o o n of
; at d a y , for in the evening an adjourned session w a s h e l d at which the question of
Location w a s further considered, and the committee w a s c o n t i n u e d .
k -
A t its m e e t i h g on 3 r d . M o n t h 1 , 1 8 6 4 , the following m i n u t e w a s adopted:"Harriet E .
Stockly is a p p o i n t e d to transcribe the M i n u t e s of this Board in a pennanent Minuteb o o k which she is authorized to procure." The existin-: b o o k was therefore probably
procured by h e r from "William Mann M a n u f a c t u r e r of B l a n k B o o k s and Counting H o u s e
Stationer 43 South 4th Street Philadelphia'', as a label on its inside cover i m p l i e s .
It is probably Harriet's n e a t h a n d - w r i t i n g also in which the m i n u t e s of the B o a r d
a r e recorded for the first two y e a r s a n d a h a l f ( p p . 1 p t ^ M ^ J t i ~ hrtrk}
7
j
T h e most important w o r k of the b o a r d at this m e e t i n g w a s to consider an
^ A d d r e s s to the Members of our R e l i g i o u s Society u p o n the importance of the object w e h a v e
in v i e w . %
This address h a d evidently b e e n p r e p a r e d b e f o r e the m e e t i n g , p r o b a b l y by
Edward p a r r i s h ; in the m e e t i n g it "was read, a n d a f t e r careful consideration adopted a n d
directed to b e p r i n t e d for general c i r c u l a t i o n . - - - To a s s i s t the clerk in the publication and distribution of the A d d r e s s E d w a r d P a r r i s h , E d w a r d M e r r i t t & G e r a r d H . Reese
are appointed."
T h e address w a s p r o m p t l y p u b l i s h e d ^ u n d e r the title *"An A d d r e s s to the_Merabers of the Religious Society of F r i e n d s , a n d ethers interested in their principles
and testimoniesprit-wn.o p r i n t e d in m i ocbavo p a m p h l e t uf eight pages., to w h i c h were
nw
1
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7
frhr
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A"RnMat.inn,
jT
T h i s A d d r e s s , after two p a r a g r a p h s d e v o t e d to the origin a n d p r o g r e s s of
the p r o j e c t , m a k e s the following a p p e a l in its b e h a l f , a n d j r e p l y i n g to some objections w h i c h h a d b e e n raised:
" ^ h e great n e e d of increased facilities for education h a s long found u t t e r a n c e
in the A n n u a l a n d Constituent M e e t i n g s of the Society of F r i e n d s .
For many years
p a s t there has b e e n f e l t , a n d often e x p r e s s e d , a w a n t of a B o a r d i n g School u n d e r the
care of the S o c i e t y , a n d w e b e l i e v e that the concern on the subject w o u l d h a v e l o n g
since b e e h p r o d u c t i v e of f r u i t s , but f o r the d i f f i c u l t y of o b t a i n i n g the u n i t e d a n d
efficient a c t i o n of our large Y e a r l y M e e t i n g s u p o n a p r a c t i c a l subject so little
u n d e r s t o o d a n d appreciated b y m a n y esteemed m e m b e r s of the S o c i e t y .
* W i t h i n the l a s t g e n e r a t i o n , the standard of education h a s greatly a d v a n c e d
in the community at large; the w i s e p r o v i s i o n o f the State g o v e r n m e n t s for the
education of all the children a t the p u b l i c e x p e n s e , in the e l e m e n t a r y branches of
k n o w l e d g e , has created a m o n g the p e o p l e a h i g h e r a p p r e c i a t i o n of the value of learni n g , a n d m u l t i p l i e d the institutions d e v o t e d to science a n d e n l a r g e d intellectual
culture.
;#The views of Friends h a v e u n d e r g o n e a g r a d u a l a d v a n c e in a c c o r d a n c e with the
improved tone of p u b l i c sentiment on this important s u b j e c t , a n d the p r e s e n t a n d
p r o s p e c t i v e w a n t s of the S o c i e t y , seem to call for a n Institution w h e r e facilities
for a liberal education m a y be supplied a c c o r d i n g to the m o s t improved p r i n c i p l e s ,
a n d where those p o s s e s s i n g the n a t u r a l qualifications for the u s e f u l a n d ennobling
,,
p r o f e s s i o n of t e a c h i n g , m a y fit themselves for its duties a n d responsibilities.' '
V
* I t is apparent to every o b s e r v e ^ , that in the p r e s e n t n e g l e c t e d condition
of this important duty of the Society to its junior m e m b e r s , those who are l i m i t e d to
the p u b l i c schools are in danger of their children b e i n g b r o u g h t u n d e r the m i l i t a r y
spirit of the a g e , m i l i t a r y tactics b e i n g a l r e a d y i n t r o d u c e d , ih some l o c a l i t i e s , a s
a part of their school exercises; w h i l e those who design to give their children a
Collegiate c o u r s e , are o b l i g e d to send them w h e r e the enlightened v i e w s cherished b y
their p a r e n t s are l i a b l e to h e d i s c o u r a g e d , a n d in m a n y instances set at n a u g h t .
^ I t can hardly be expected that the children of Friends can grow u p with a n
appreciation of the p r i n c i p l e s a n d testimonies of their f a t h e r s , a n d of the vast interests involved in their m a i n t e n a n c e , u n l e s s special a n d a d e q u a t e m e a n s of instruction are f u r n i s h e d , u n d e r the care of the S o c i e t y , or of its c o n c e r n e d m e m b e r s .
The
n e g l e c t of home e d u c a t i o n , consequent on the cares of the w o r l d a n d its m a n y binderings t h i n g s , a n d the frequent indifference of p a r e n t s to the h i g h e s t interests of
their o f f s p r i n g , make it obligatory on the Society to furnish a i d a n d encouragement
to its m e m b e r s , in p l a c i n g their children u n d e r the m o s t favorable
influences.
^ W i t h these views we a r e desirous of establishing a n Institution w h i c h shall
be a t t r a c t i v e to our younger m e m b e r s , in w h i c h the b e a u t y a n d simplicity of our
Christian p r o f e s s i o n m a y be so b l e n d e d w i t h scientific i n s t r u c t i o n , as completely to
interweave them into the m o r a l a n d m e n t a l f a b r i c , f i t t i n g the p u p i l , in some m e a s u r e ,
to a s s o c i a t e the b e a u t y a n d h a r m o n y of the external c r e a t i o n , w i t h the tenderness
a n d love of the Creator in h i s spiritual m a n i f e s t a t i o n s .
* F o r the information of some who m a y n o t h a v e an o p p o r t u n i t y to a t t e n d a n y
of the Conferences in which the p l a n of the p r o p o s e d institution a s far as it has b e e n
y e t a g r e e d u p o n , is developed a n d e x p l a i n e d , we p r e s e n t the f o l l o w i n g :
^ I n regard to the p r o b a b l e l o c a t i o n of the I n s t i t u t i o n , it m a y b e r e m a r k e d ,
that a l t h o u g h the B o a r d of
Managers
h a s not y e t determined u p o n this important p o i n t ,
yet they are u n d e r s t o o d to b e generally u n i t e d in the intention to l o c a t e it in a rural
district w i t h i n convenient a c c e s s to the city of P h i l a d e l p h i a .
^H?hile we design that this shall b e a F r i e n d s ' School, it is not intended that
it shall be confined entirely to the m e m b e r s of the Society of FriendsJ. the A s s o c i a tion for its establishment a l r e a d y includes a considerable number not in m e m b e r s h i p
wffihh the S o c i e t y , though f a v o r a b l y d i s p o s e d torard its p r i n c i p l e s , a n d it is expected
that a p o r t i o n of the scholars will b e drawn from this c l a s s .
^ p o n the subject of the grade of the s c h o o l , w e b e l i e v e the following v i e w s
from the A d d r e s s b e f o r e a l l u d e d to
m e a n s p r o v i d e d will allow:
will h e substantially a d h e r e d t o , as far as the
. . . .
M l u c h b e n e f i t is a n t i c i p a t e d from the a d o p t i o n of the system of tsa.ch.ing b y
lectures and illustrations,
in p r e f e r e n c e to a too exclusive dependence u p o n b o o k s ,
a n d from a, division of the labor of i n s t r u c t i o n , as far a s p r a c t i c a b l e , a m o n g a
number of different p r o f e s s o r s , each specially q u a l i f i e d to create a n interest a n d
impart instruction in one p a r t i c u l a r b r a n c h of k n o w l e d g e .
These important f e a t u r e s ,
so essential to any institution d e s i g n e d for a comprehensive course of i n s t r u c t i o n ,
cannot b e rendered e f f e c t i v e , except w h e r e the n u m b e r of p u p i l s is large a n d the
m e a n s of illustration a m p l e .
^ A preliminary department w i l l p r o b a b l y b e r e q u i r e d , a d a p t e d to those who m a y
not design to p u r s u e the entire course h e r e s k e t c h e d , a n d also a department in w h i c h
p e c u l i a r facilities will b e a f f o r d e d to those qualifying themselves for t e a c h e r s .
U p o n this point we quote from the A d d r e s s already r e f e r r e d toj
•^A fear h a s b e e n entertained that one effect of the p r o p o s e d Institution m i g h t
be to divert a t t e n t i o n from F r i e n d s ' family a n d n e i g h b o r h o o d schools; on the cont r a r y , we believe that it will b e the m e a n s of supplying these w i t h well-informed
teachers, whose influence in their respective n e i g h b o r h o o d s can scarcely b e overe s t i m a t e d , w h i l e , by raising the standard of H o m e E d u c a t i o n , it will b e a n effective
agent ih p r e s e r v i n g a n d p r o m o t i n g that social e q u a l i t y , w h i c h is o n e of the m o s t
attractive features in the Society of F r i e n d s .
^tln c o n c l u s i o n , w e desire to u r g e u p o n the consideration of those into w h o s e
h a n d s this A d d r e s s m a y f a l l , the n e c e s s S t y of general cooperation in the enterprise
we h a v e s k e t c h e d .
T h e sum subscribed p r e v i o u s to the organization of the Associa.-
tion, is justly deemed a n earnest of the success of the u n d e r t a k i n g , b u t is not considered a s at a l l a d e q u a t e to the w o r k .
T h e Constitution looks to the u l t i m a t e rais-
ing of $ 2 0 0 , 0 0 0 , a n d no doubt is entertained of the a b i l i t y of the Society to contri% -
T h i s was the A d d r e s s a d o p t e d in I 8 6 0 .
<72>
b u t e that sura.
/a
A single share taken by every one interested in the welfare of
the rising generation among u s , w o u l d f u r n i s h ample m e a n s for the p u r p o s e in v i e w ,
b u t there is great indifference to b e o v e r c o m e , a n d the laborers in the cause a r e a s
y e t but f e w , so that w e are compelled to a p p e a l to those who a r e a b l e to give liberally to an object p r o m i s i n g such beneficent
results.
® I t is a m i s t a k e to look m a i n l y for the funds required to those who have large
f a m i l i e s , and who will consequently b e likely to reap the m o s t direct a d v a n t a g e from
the I n s t i t u t i o n .
M a n y of this class w i l l , of c o u r s e , become m e m b e r s of the Associa-
t i o n , a n d contribute in p r o p o r t i o n to their m e a n s , w h i l e others w i l l do their share
toward the support of the S c h o o l ,
b y s u p p l y i n g it w i t h p u p i l s .
JBTne object w e a r e n o w u r g i n g should not b e compared w i t h those p r o m i s i n g m e r e
temporary advantages; the g o o d to b e gained i s , w e trust, destined to b e of the m o s t
lasting and p r o g r e s s i v e k i n d , a n d justifies u n u s u a l sacrifices for its a t t a i n m e n t .
^ F i n a l l y , we w o u l d a s k of every F r i e n d who is not yet a m e m b e r of thisAssoc i a t i o n , to subscribe to its s t o c k , so a s to b e identified w i t h the desirable object
of b u i l d i n g u p a n I n s t i t u t i o n , d e s t i n e d , w e b e l i e v e , to h a v e a n important b e a r i n g on
the m a i n t e n a n c e a n d diffusion of the p r i n c i p l e s w h i c h have d i s t i n g u i s h e d the Society
of Friends since its f o u n d a t i o n , a n d w h i c h its m e m b e r s and their descendants should
cherish f o r the g o o d of mankind.'*'
T h e pamphlet i n c l u d e s , w i t h the C o n s t i t u t i o n , the n a m e s of the first B o a r d
of M a n a g e r s , and lists the following officers; Clerks (of the A s s o c i a t i o n ) , W i l l i a m
D . P a r r i s h a n d Edith W . A t l e e ; T r e a s u r e r , W i l l i a m C . B i d d l e , N o . 131 M a r k e t S t . ,
P h i l a d e l p h i a ; Clerk (of the B o a r d of M a n a g e r s ) , W i l l i a m D o r s e y , N o . 613 M a r k e t S t . ,
P h i l a d e l p h i a ; Local R e c e i v e r s (for the P h i l a d e l p h i a d i s t r i c t ) , Clement M . B i d d l e ,
N o . 131 M a r k e t Street; (for the N e w Y o r k d i s t r i c t ) , Samuel W i l l e t s , N o . 303 P e a r l
Street; (for the Baltimore d i s t r i c t ) , G e r a r d H . R e e s e , P r a t t S t r e e t .
T h e a b o v e official a p p e a l w a s p e r h a p s originated b y a n individual who signed
date of " P h i l a d a . 2 d m o j 2 6 t h , 1863."
His communication was
published, in the Intelligencer for T h i r d Mo. 7 , 1 8 6 3 , a n d was a s follows:
P l e a for the 'Boarding School.t
tPAt the commencement of the effort to establish a B o a r d i n g School a m o n g u s ,
I felt but little sympathy in the c a u s e , there b e i n g in m y own m i n d serious obstacles
in the w a y .
T h e s e , on m o r e m a t u r e d r e f l e c t i o n , h a v e g i v e n p l a c e to opinions decided-
ly in its favor; a n d k n o w i n g there are others entertaining objections simila,r to m y
o w n , I h a v e thought I might p o s s i b l y help to r e m o v e some of the obstacles out of the
way of s u c h .
* S o m e time since I ma.de inquiries r e s p e c t i n g the College at H a v e r f o r d , w i t h
the intention of p l a c i n g a son t h e r e , that h e m i g h t p a s s through a collegiate course
n d e r the guardianship of F r i e n d s .
I was told that the charges w e r e b e y o n d the
reach of parents of m o d e r a t e m e a n s ; that a p a r t of the education w a s t h e o l o g i c a l , a n d
that only a p r i v i l e g e d few m i g h t a v a i l themselvesjaf its f a c i l i t i e s .
If such b e the
objections to a n institution now in existence a m o n g F r i e n d s , w h a t right h a v e we to
p r e s u m e that another established by u s , w i l l b e exempt from the s a m e , or similar
evils?
A g a i n , our P r i m a r y , Grammar a n d Classical schools are not supported by
F r i e n d s ; i n d e e d , if the p a t r o n a g e a f f o r d e d b y those entirely o u t s i d e the Society w a s
r e m o v e d , not one of our schools w o u l d b e s e l f - s u s t a i n i n g .
That they a r e worthy the
support of every p a r e n t whose a s s o c i a t i o n s are w i t h u s , is apparent from the earnistness w i t h w h i c h they a r e sought by those of other religious d e n o m i a t i o n s , the terms
of tuition b e i n g m o d e r a t e , a n d t h e qualifications of the teachers for imparting a
thorough education, b e i n g in m o s t cases u n e q u a l l e d .
T h e n a g a i n , Friends a r e generally a p l a i n , p r a c t i c a l p e o p l e , jealous of the
faith of their f a t h e r s , a n d fearful of inroads on their cherished c u s t o m s , l o o k i n g
u p o n the study of the a b s t r u s e sciences a n d classical literature a s a departure from
: the old l a n d m a r k s , entirely f o r g e t t i n g , that in the infancy of the Society of F r i e n d s ,
/ofcL: the
student of O x f o r d , side by side w i t h the cobbler of D r a y t o n , ' contended for
- " Tt ihl e allusion to George F o x , as •the cobbler of Datayton," does not correspond w i t h
I QV*"*
S p h r a s e as commonly r e p e a t e d , w h i c h is "The Cobbler of Nottingham." On refl " •
erfence to his l i f e bjt S . M . J a n n e y , I find Drayton to h a v e b e e n t h e h o m e of h i s
boyhood." g , ^
^ c A Tfc
+ J L U , jLjji
the f a i t h of w h i c h we in this a g e should h e equally t e n a c i o u s .
Jffhe former of these objections h a s h e r e t o f o r e p r e j u d i c e d the effort to m y
own m i n d , a n d with the latter constitute&lmost if not all that can h e raised a g a i n s t
i
it.
H o w these I own a r e w o r t h y our earnest c o n s i d e r a t i o n , h u t w e should n o t stop
here.
A r r a y e d against these w e f i n d the u n s a t i s f i e d w a n t s of the y o u t h of our
Society.
We k n o w them to h e equal in a b i l i t y w i t h a n y ifa our c o m m u n i t y , a s eager
for l e a r n i n g , enquiring, a n d d e t e r m i n e d to satiate their thirst at some fountain of
knowledge.
E a c h h e a r t h - s t o n e w h e r e p a r e n t a n d child m e e t in familiar
intercourse
b e c o m e s its best advocate; a t every family b o a r d w h e r e p a r e n t a l solicitude p r o v i d e s
sustenance for the b o d y , is f o u n d the eager craving for the soul's better p o r t i o n .
^ H o w shall w e b e s t satisfy this want is the question w e a r e n o w called u p o n
to decide?
E v e r y p a r e n t i n t e r e s t e d in the thorough development of our y o u t h , m u s t
a c k n o w l e d g e that it exists a m o n g u s .
How shall w e a c q u i t ourselves b e f o r e the h o n -
o r e d fathers of this Society w h o so zealously l a b o r e d for institutions of learning
in their day?
>
How shall w e come b e f o r e H i m who i n s p i r e d their courage a n d strength"uU-
ened their h a n d s , if w e fail n o w to carry on the w o r k so worthily b e g ^ n by t h e m .
•^The n a t i o n teems w i t h colleges a n d a c a d e m i e s .
the log-cabin is the p i o n e e r of our c i v i l i z a t i o n .
T h e school-house a s well as
A r e w e satisfied that these in-
stitutions a r e a d a p t e d to the w a n t s of our religious Society?
m a n y a m o n g u s can
answer from p a i n f u l e x p e r i e n c e , 'They a r e n o t . '
f r i e n d s a r e a 'peculiar p e o p l e . '
7/hile other religious a s s o c i a t i o n s a r e
contending for 'creeds' a n d 'articles of f a i t h ' , the F r i e n d b e s t exemplifies h i s
faith ty m a i n t a i n i n g those m o r a l testimonies w h i c h are the b u l w a r k s of h i s S o c i e t y .
/^Would w e p r e s e r v e a n d transmit them to our children?
Do w e deem them of
v i t a l importance to ourselves? - T h e n m u s t we so educate our sons a n d d a u g h t e r s ,
that w h e n u p o n themselves d e v o l v e the r e s p o n s i b i l i t i e s of l i f e , their characters m a y
b e m o u l d e d a n d p e r f e c t e d into the b e a u t i f u l symmetry o f a p u r e C h r i s t i a n l i f e .
iLf
cannot g i v e the g r a c e s of the H o l y Spirit to our offspring; h u t w e m a y
so h a l l o w the associations that surround them that they w i l l b e c o m e w i l l i n g recipients
of the Divine g i f t .
^ T h e r e is a tide of error a n d s u p e r s t i t i o n , constantly setting in against u s .
It b e c o m e s u s to a s k o u r s e l v e s , ' W h a t efforts a r e w e m a k i n g to stem this current?'
L e t u s fully arouse ourselves a n d e a r n e s t l y , a n d p r a y e r f u l l y examine the s u b j e c t , remembering that the future h i s t o r y of our Society w i l l be m e a s u r a b l y a f f e c t e d b y o u r
present a c t i o n .
•%A.8 to the w a n t of f r i e n d s ' p a t r o n a g e felt b y the schools n o w u n d e r our charge
in P h i l a d e l p h i a , I think that should not b e c o n s i d e r e d a c r i t e r i o n for judgment i n
the m a t t e r of the 'Boarding S c h o o l . '
T h e m e m b e r s of our Society l i v e in a l l p a r t s of
the c i t y , many so remote from the schools that they are a s inaccessible to than a s if
they w e r e m a n y miles d i s t a n t , a n d h o w e v e r m u c h they m a y desire to send their children
to such s c h o o l s , it w o u l d not b e in their p o w e r to do s o .
^ S h o u l d we b e enabled to raise sufficient funds to e s t a b l i s h the p r o p o s e d
institution on a liberal s c a l e , the terms can b e m a d e so easy that its benefits m a y
Ibe shared by a l l classes in the Society of P r i e n d s ,
L.
Philada. 2d mo.26th,1863?
f"
'
"
U
a
/
/
The conferences in M a r y l a n d referred to in B e n j a m i n H a l l o w e l l ' s letters w e r e
re-oe'sted in P e n n s y l v a n i a , in a c c o r d w i t h the f o l l o w i n g noticeslwhich a p p e a r e d in Friends*
I
/oiT
Intelligencer for F i r s t M o n t h 10 a n d 1 7 , a n d S e c o n d M o n t h 2 1 , 1 8 6 3 :
f r i e n d s ' Educational Association.
^ T h e E x e c u t i v e Committee a p p o i n t e d "by a Conference of the m e m b e r s residing
within the limits of P h i l a d e l p h i a Y e a r l y M e e t i n g , to f o r w a r d the subscriptions to the
stock of this A s s o c i a t i o n , h a v e a p p o i n t e d the u n d e r s i g n e d to c o r r e s p o n d w i t h Friends
in their several n e i g h b o r h o o d s , a n d to a p p o i n t Conferences ih w h i c h the subject can
b e p r e s e n t e d and explanations g i v e n .
The interest w h i c h has a t t e n d e d the Conferences
already h e l d , justifies the effort n o w made to e x t e n d this m e a n s of spreading the
concern in localities n o t y e t v i s i t e d , a n d a n y communication u p o n the subject addressed to either of the u n d e r s i g n e d , w i l l m e e t w i t h a t t e n t i o n .
William Dorsey,
N o . 613 M a r k e t
Edward Parrish,
N o . 800 A r c h S t .
David J . G r i s c o m ,
Sf
Woodbury, N.J.
Helen G . L o n g s t r e t h , N o . 1 1 0 S . 17th S t .
Edith W . Atlee,
G e r n a n t o w n , Pa.*»
—
~
~
"•^Educational C o n f e r e n c e s . - T h e E x e c u t i v e Comnitteejof the M e m b e r s of F r i e n d s '
E d u c a t i o n a l A s s o c i a t i o n , w i t h i n the limits of P h i l a d e l p h i a Y e a r l y M e e t i n g , h a v e
a p p o i n t e d a Conference at Gwynedd M e e t i n g H o u s e , on F i r s t - d a y a f t e r n o o n , the 18th
instant, at 2 o ' c l o c k , P . M . ; a n d a t W i l l i s t o w n on F i f t h - d a y m o r n i n g , the 2 9 t h . a t
10 o'clock.
M e m b e r s of the Committee w i l l be p r e s e n t to e x p l a i n the object a n d
p l a n of the A s s o c i a t i o n ; a n d F r i e n d s , a n d others in the N e i g h b o r h o o d , a r e cordially
invited to a t t e n d a n d to extend the i n f o r m a t i o n . ^
-
—
~ - """
"^The Committee to p r o m o t e subscriptions to the stock of F r i e n d s
1
Educational
A s s o c i a t i o n w i t h i n the limits of P h i l a d e l p h i a Y e a r l y M e e t i n g , have a p p o i n t e d Confere n c e s , a s follows:
g
W .
•_
_
_
/ >
"
'
•'•_•-
—
-
-
—
.
. . . . . . . . .
.
.
I.
•
[
c
^
J
i
( a t r ^ ^ ^ ,
] SL
£ J
F r i e n d s ' m e e t i n g h o u s e N e w t o w n S q u a r e , D e l a w a r e C o . , P a . , o n 5th d a y ,
19th i n s t a n t , at 3 o'clock P . M .
^ A t F r i e n d s ' m e e t i n g h o u s e , corner of 1 9 t h a n d N o r t h S t . , "below C o a t e s , P h i l a . ,
on 6th day e v e n i n g , 2 0 t h i n s t . , at 7-| o ' c l o c k .
• ^ t Race Street m e e t i n g h o u s e , P h i l a . , on Second-day e v e n i n g , 2 3 d i n s t . , a t
7| o'clock.
•#&t Friends' m e e t i n g h o u s e , F a l s i n g t o n , Bucks C o . , on 7th d a y . 3 d m o . , 7 t h . ,
at 2 o ' c l o c k , P . M .
# A t Friends' m e e t i n g h o u s e , N e w t o w n , B u c k s C o . , on F i r s t - d a y , 3 d m o . 8 t h . ,
at 2 o ' c l o c k , P . M .
* F r i e n d s and others i n t e r e s t e d , within reach of these localities, a r e particularly invited to a t t e n d .
The Conferences w i l l h e a d d r e s s e d "by m e m b e r s of the Commit-
tee.*
• I
B n e of t h e a * conferences(is referred to in a n article on "Education"
1
contri-
/oi
b u t e d to the Intelligencer for Second M o n t h 1 4 , 1 8 6 3 .
It is signed " H " , dated "1st
m o . 8 t h , 1 8 6 3 " , a n d its reference to the conference is a s follows:$®0n First-day aftern o o n we a t t e n d e d the Conference on the p r o p o s e d B o a r d i n g S c h o o l , h e l d a t W i l l i s t o w n ,
Pa.
O w i n g to the condition of the r o a d s , the gathering, w a s not so large as w a s an-
ticipated.
One thousand dollars w a s subscribed in the m e e t i n g , a n d a committee a p -
pointed to receive a n d obtain further
subscriptions.
•^The response w h i c h lias so remarkably a n s w e r e d the call for a n increased m e a n s
for the intellectual development of the c h i l d r e n , u n d e r circumstances favorable to the
growth of our religious p r i n c i p l e s , is certainly a n evidence that the existence of
such a w a n t is b e g i n n i n g to b e a c k n o w l e d g e d by F r i e n d s .
W e cannot deny that our
children h a v e suffered m a t e r i a l l y from the want of p r o p e r educational advantages a m o n g
us.
0i-
T h e necessity", w h i c h h a s saras to some extent e x i s t e d , of p l a c i n g our y o u n g rnem7
7
6
'
'
~
j bers "beyond the precincts of our religious Society, has in many instances weakened
S
j their affection for that Society that could not supply their need^fc
The Executive Committee had "been busy meanwhile at h o m e , as is evidenced by
the following notices in the Intelligencer for Second Month 7 a n d Third Month 7 ,
/oi
1 8 6 3 :
jr
3
Y ? " T h e Executive Committee of Friends of Philadelphia Yearly M e e t i n g , to prom o t e subscriptions to the stock of Friends' Educational A s s o c i a t i o n , wiil m e e t on
6th d a y , the 13th instant, at 11 o ' c l o c k , A . M .
J . M . T r u m a n , J r . , Clerk.** - - ~ -^The Executive Committee for promoting subscriptions to Friends' Educational A s s o c i a t i o n , will m e e t on 6th day m o r n i n g , 1 3 t h inst., at 11 o'clock, in
the 2 d story, west room, of R a c e S t . Meeting H o u s e . *
Jos. M . Truman, Jr., Clerk.*
^ F r i e n d s ' Educational A s s o c i a t i o n .
* T h e first instalment of $5 p e r share in the stock of the Association became
due o n the first of Twelfth m o n t h , 1 8 6 2 .
On all shares subscribed since that time,
the first instalment was dae on the first of Third m o n t h , instant.
The stockholders
a r e requested to make payment to the Receivers appointed in the several districts,
and those residing in Philadelphia to the u n d e r s i g n e d , who has been appointed General Receiver within the limits of P h i l a d e l p h i a Yearly M e e t i n g .
C. M . Biddle,
1 3 1
M a r k e t
s t
. f Philadelphia.*
•TO iaCl'lllalbi- the uulleetion of gukscrlpllohii mid to piuuuc-ttcw
- ,
Bubscgiboro^
the-Duaid uf Mamgai.b -uf "Filtmdb' Educational Aooooiation" issued about this -fcirne
j-n iflfifi ,q-p
—•<•
a T,g
Th" H-i^-Tri "f tlv TVlici"iiri ffonlpifty of F-riq-nfla, wiyl r>tih' -
i a L m e a b u d lu lhair principles a n d - t e s t i m o n i e s . " — T l irni printnii in nn nrtntio
^joginph"! pti nf flight- p a g u s , lu which -won. appended fuur more pages inoluding the-Ceiir•etitution rooently adoy.tod^
/07-
l a , -Bp. 7 6 1 , 8 2 5 .
This animated
buliu'jlfa.ruajjfaLCits sponBtrr^
s^l^-t^u^l TMiifnt.ipnai a Df n^i-—h-t-nrry—Lu Lake-rp.ther flractIo action oottccrninp •ifcj
WJU
-oooi,riition' s tExecixt ive CqEf.iittee for the Phil?-del: M a
/c^-v^ws*^^ Ac"
1
> i I',' 11
rH »t.H
The
with / n s ^ h ?t . Tnimn-n t
1
n'l ill ii j i 1) i b i"' hi1 ii ' i * i.'ig i 1 meetings "for promoting subscriptions, etc.,"
^
/0
^
j**
fGr
.most monthly throughout the year 1863;
andS^"conferences" h a d sswA^held in Philadelphia
; the time of Yearly Ileeting in M & y , 1 8 6 3 , end during the same month in Kennet Square,
)ndon Grove, Hew Garden, Pallowfield, R a d n o ^ n d Sadsbury.^
(pUUJljjjJU*
— -
fi/Lf'J
,
The conf erences'in Philadelphia \ w p o caif important ones "because of the change
i
[
d c h resulted f romyU? in^reriovIn^^one of Woe chief obstacles to the progress of the
:hool.
^
The IntelligenceiC^aafffith. Month 1 3 , 1863T!r gives the following account of W f c L * *
1
id-frf—fee ..subaaquent anc held iu Hew
*Ttie Conference held in Race street Meeting H o u s e , on Third-day evening, the
3th of 5th m o n t h , was largely a t t e n d e d , and contained representatives from widely
sparated sections.
After reading the report already referred to, a spirited dis-
cission grew up upon the provision of the Constitution which provide for the election of
onagers by a stock v o t e .
This feature of the organization having given dissatisfaction
o many friends, before it was officially a d o p t e d , and having since operated as a bar to
he progress of the subscription in some neighborhoods, was now warmly celled in question
y several friends, who placed their objections in a strong light before the large a.udence convened.
The various arguments in favor of the Stock V o t e , as a just and equitable
rovision for the control of the property e n d its usee by those who had furnished the
eans for its purchase and erection, failed to satisfy the strong feeling of opposition
onscientiously entertained, by many; and when the meeting adjourned at a late h o u r , it
as felt that without another attempt to reconcile this difference of sentiment, the cause
ust lose tfround among u s .
-
It was agreed to meet aeain on fifth-day evening, and a larce
~
'
Intelligencer, V o l i v S ^ t t p . 5 7 , 1 ? 8 , 2 0 0 , 2 6 4 , 3 4 4 , 4 7 2 .
f
- J g z f f r * -
2 1 6
-
It L
•
I
fctf
The Intelligencer for 6 t h . Month 6 , 1 8 6 3 , c o n t ^ n e d the following editorial
2
7
1
af fjfi ir. i i P m
' d ^ - ^ ' ^ ' nil'
^ U ^ firx^Ji t u r v J ^ ^ ^ .
noticejQ -#The proceedings of the several C o n f e r e n c e held during " h e weeks of OUT L)
late Yearly Meetings of Philadelphia and l>Tew Y o r k , on the subject of Education and
the establishment of an institution of learning, have not as yet been reported in our
| paper, but we propose at an early date, to give some account of them.
Our readers
j will be glad to know that in consequence of the feeling which prevailed at the Confer\ ences in P h i l a d e l p h i a , our friends in Hew York have proposed a n alteration in the
/ constitution which will probably harmonize all the friends of the cause, within the
^ limits of the three Yearly M e e t i n g s , and give a corresponding impetus to the subscripI tion.
:
-f^Ye learn that the recent series of Conferences i n Chester and Lancaster
counties have been quite encouraging in their results, and that the subscriptions
\ taken, warrant the hope that Friends generally in these sections of our Yearly Meet; ing will embrace the opportunity to aid in the establishment of this much-needed In|
stitutionj*
The holding uf cunftiieuuea was linked up ilubel;, \Ur the ocliyitioo of the
l»cajb-coilfeetion committees,
fi
appuii-u from tho following typical n o t i c e : — " ^ h e -
^llHT
[au^,
I/O
-
4
a
j^-p^a-o
¥*>1. S O T . 000.
I M d t rr-'DOC—
xrff'
4 g
1
«J
-&=> /yo
iipany convened at that t i n e , notwithstanding a heavy rain w h i c h p r e v a i l e d in the early
rt of the e v e n i n g .
M e a n t i m e a. friend who h a d "been concerned in the original draft of
3 Constitution, w r o t e to a p r o m i n e n t m e m b e r of the A s s o c i a t i o n in H e w Y o r k , a s k i n g those
) had subscribed l a r g e l y in that city on the b a s i s l a i d down in the C o n s t i t u t i o n , what
ild "be their d i s p o s i t i o n towards a n adjustment of the election for M a n a g e r s on a differ; "basis.
The reply which came over the w i r e s , a n d w a s read at the opening of the ad-
lrned Conference on Fifth-day e v e n i n g , w a s b r i e f a n d e x p l i c i t , a n d served to satisfy
3 M e e t i n g that the views of the M A J O R I T Y , w h e n a s c e r t a i n e d , w o u l d be fully a c c e d e d t o .
it p a s s e d at the Conference after this a s s u r a n c e w a s of a m o s t encouraging c h a r a c t e r . - - wrs felt to b e n e c e s s a r y that some of those
jerested. should t^-ke the opportunity p r e s e n t e d b y the a p p r o a c h i n g Y e a r l y M e e t i n g of H e w
rk, to confer w i t h those in a t t e n d a n c e there, in regard to the subjects which had so disc e d Friends in P h i l a d e l p h i a .
A C o n f e r e n c e h a v i n g b e e n convened at the Meeting-house on
;herford-square, Hew Yorj( on Third-day e v e n i n g , 26th of F i f t h m o n t h , full opportunity w a s
?
orded for the discussion of the p r o v i s i o n s of the C o n s t i t u t i o n , and it is due to F r i e n d s
Hew Y o r k to say that although the views of n e a r l y a l l w e r e decidedly favorable to the
;icle objected to by so m a n y in B a l t i m o r e and P h i l a d e l p h i a , they chose to sacrifice
;ir own views for the good of the cause; and a f t e r a zealous defence of their p o s i t i o n ,
?;gested the appointment of a C o m m i t t e e , to confer w i t h Friends in a t t e n d a n c e from other
;alities, w i t h a v i e w to p r o p o s i n g some modifica.tion of the Constitution w n i c h might be
bisfactory to a l l .
Committee was a p p o i n t e d
accordingly,
and on the f o l l o w i n g evening at the
iourned Conference their report w a s r e c e i v e d , p r o p o s i n g a m o d i f i c a t i o n of the Constitu)n, in which the principle of equality a m o n g the shareholders in the election of M a n a g e r s
fully recognized, while the right to a c q u i r e a n d dispose of the p r o p e r t y b y the Associa.)n is guarded by a. stock v o t e .
A s neither of these C o n f e r e n c e s , nor a l l of them,could
ce changes in the Constitution, the sentiment of tiiose convened could only b e taken on the
loosed amendments with an implied intention to v o t e f o r or against t h e m , w h e n the oppor-
inity should "be a f f o r d e d .
Hot only did m a n y , who h a d b e f o r e e x p r e s s e d sentiments a t var-
m c e w i t h each o t h e r u p o n these p o i n t s , embrace the first o p p o r t u n i t y to signify t h e i r
irdial- a p p r o v a l of the p r o p o s e d c h a n g e s , but on the q u e s t i o n b e i n g p u t to the a u d i e n c e by
.e c l e r k , a u n a n i m o u s vote w a s h a d in t h e i r f a v o r - not an i n d i v i d u a l a p p e r r e d w h e n
o s e o p n o s e d to the changes w e r e c a l l e d u p o n to r i s e .
U n d e r all the c i r c u m s t a n c e s of
.is C o n f e r e n c e - the l a r g e n u m b e r in a t t e n d a n c e , e m b r a c i n g some of the m o s t
influential
m b e r s of the A s s o c i a t i o n from the l i m i t s of the three Y e a r l y M e e t i n g s , the full d i s c u s s i o n
d c o n s i d e r a t i o n w h i c h the p r o p o s e d c h a n g e s r e c e i v e d , w i t h the fact that w i t h o u t
conceding
e p r i n c i p l e s m a i n t a i n e d by either t h o s e in f a v o r o f , or o p p o s e d t o , the e x i s t i n g Constit i o n , these changes m e e t the v i e w s of a l l - the C o n s t i t u t i o n w i t h the a m e n d m e n t s p r o p o s e d
y b e r e g a r d e d as V i r t u a l l y the b a s i s of the f u t u r e o r g a n i z a t i o n of t h e A s s o c i a t i o n . ^ 4 B »
e-fced sufrjoct of the locatiau. of the -acheiol is by this ohang.e
fm—tdhun
from the D u a p &
Llmiagart.,—lh'
s—bcCT g i v o n , a n d a m p l e opporfrnril ti pp r f f o r d e d to all to oomo to a n i n t e l l i g e n t luiiLlubiujfri
^ T h i s last C o n f e r e n c e in N e w Y o r k , m a y , w e t h i n k , b e r e g a r d e d as
constituting
new era. in the E d u c a t i o n a l m o v e m e n t in w h i c h the c a u s e s of d i f f e r e n c e h a v i n g b e e n
m a y m o v e on in the u n i t y t o w a r d the c o n s u m m a t i o n of the o b j e c t in v i e w .
removed,
A s an earnest
future a d v a n c e m e n t , our F r i e n d s in H e w Y o r k a p p o i n t e d a C o m m i t t e e to p r o s e c u t e the w o r k
their p a r t of the f i e l d , a d d i t i o n a l s u b s c r i p t i o n s w e r e m a d e b y t h o s e p r e s e n t , and a m i d
rds of counsel a n d e n c o u r a g e m e n t the w h e e l s w e r e set in m o t i o n for a n onward
movement.^
Samuel M . J a n n e y a t t e n d e d these m e e t i n g s in P h i l a d e l p h i a a n d H e w Y o r k ; a n d ,
though w e a r e not d e f i n i t e l y so i n f o r m e d , w e m a y a s s u m e that B e n j a m i n H a l l o w e l l , M a r t h a
son and Lucretia. M o t t were also pre sent to g i v e the w e iignt
g h t ox
of t nh e xi r .influence
i n r x u e n c e t.towards
ows
'«~Jby sv-tfQ, -irv
M^sioJtXw/',,
Lving the k x o t t y q u e s t i o n of "the v o t e b y stock or by p e r s o n " ^ y a n d ^ t o w a r d s s o l v i n g i t '
the t r a d i t i o n a l F r i e n d l y
-gfafi
fashion.
in r e g a r d to tho v o t o wao liuld,
u i ^ t•** *" J
lea&t by
tlie Udltarb uf thu-
d t e i o i o n ear to l o o f H l u n a l u o "la the hands of the
3re h e l d at Goshen (Cnester C o u n t y , Pa.)I
at G u n p o w d e r , Maryland (Baltimore quarterly M e e t i n g ) ;
Yearly Meeting);
at Lombard Street
Woodbury Monthly Meeting, Upper Greenwich, N . J . ;
M e e t i n g , W o o d s town, II.
Salem,
(Baltimore
Pilesgrove Monthly
G r e e n w i c h , II. J i f i and W e s t e r n quarterly
Meeting, London Grove,
T h e followihg account in the Intelligencer of this last conference is doubtless
typical of the others; ^JTSwarthmore C o l l e g e .
T h e following M i n u t e s give information
of the efforts w h i c h have b e e n a n d are b e i n g m a d e , w i t h i n the limits of the W e s t e r n
Quarterly M e e t i n g , in order to p r o m o t e a n increasing interest in the p r o p o s e d s c h o o l .
< A t a C o n f e r e n c e , called by the A s s o c i a t i o n of F r i e n d s , of P h i l a d e l p h i a Y e a r l y
M e e t i n g , engaged in a n effort for the establishment of a school at 'West D a l e ' , held
at L o n d o n G r o v e , 2d m o n t h 6 t h , 1 8 6 4 .
* A f t e r the b e n e f i t s to the Society of F r i e n d s , a n d to o t h e r s , to b e d e r i v e d
from such a school as p r o p o s e d , h a d b e e n p r e s e n t e d b y C . B i d d l e , E . P a r r i s h and o t h e r s ,
it w a s enjoined by the m e e t i n g , u p o n persons in a t t e n d a n c e , to u s e earnest endeavors
to stir u p a m o r e general interest in this important m o v e m e n t .
A l s o , that at the close
of the regular business of the several M o n t h l y M e e t i n g s , embraced in the Western quarter, it w a s enjoined on m e m b e r s now p r e s e n t to h a v e this subject duly considered, and
a committee w a s set apart to give p r o p e r a t t e n t i o n t h e r e t o , a n d a.s far as w a y opens
to secure s u b s c r i p t i o n s .
^ S a i d committees of the several M o n t h l y M e e t i n g s to confer together and cow o r k , a s on consultation they m a y deem b e s t , a n d u n i t e d l y to form a b o d y representing
the limits of the W e s t e r n q u a r t e r , a n d thus relieve the E x e c u t i v e Committee of P h i l a d e l p h i a Y e a r l y M e e t i n g o f this p o r t i o n o f its wide field of l a b o r .
J. H. JACKSON, Clerk.
- 6th.Month 21,1863;ibid,y«J~3a,f>.217//3 < - 9 t h . M o n t h 1 3 , 1 8 6 3 ; ibid.^Sel-p^B.376,
- 10th.Month 27,1863;ibid,Vol,3ft, y . 5 2 0 • ///* j -- 1^s tu..Mmo n^twh , 2 5 , 1 8 6 4 ; i b i d , V 8 l * 3 ^ B . 7 1 3 .
m - 1 s t . M o n t h 26,1864; i b i d . .
//7
- 1 s t . M o n t h 29,1864; i b i d ,
- 1 s t . Month,28,1864; i M a J ^ . 7 / 3 .
// 8-9 2 n d9 Q. M o n t h 6,1864; i b i d Z / V , / '
-^^tclll^egegg,
64 j V p
~ f*
' f l'*
^Irjpursuance of the above stated o b j e c t s , a m e e t i n g of such committees as
were appointed a n d others interested, w a s h e l d at L o n d o n G r o v e , on the 21st of 2 d
month, 1864.
^ C o m m i t t e e s from New G a r d e n and P e n n s g r o v e w e r e r e p r e s e n t e d , a n d the m e e t i n g
was informed that' some of the other M o n t h l y m e e t i n g s have the subject of appointment
under consideration.
£ T h e following p r o p o s i t i o n s w e r e offered a n d considered.; but in order that the
cooperation of those m e e t i n g s n o t represented here b y committees m a y b e h a d , it w a s
concluded to adjourn this m e e t i n g to the 20th of the 3 d m o n t h n e x t , at two o ' c l o c k , P .
M . , at L o n d o n G r o v e , for the further consideration of the s u b j e c t .
* T h e clerk w a s requested to inform F r i e n d s of the several m o n t h l y m e e t i n g s ;
of this c o n c l u s i o n , a n d a s k their p r o m p t a t t e n t i o n t h e r e t o .
E L L W 0 0 D M I C H E N E R , Clerk .
*
^
1st.
Propositions •
That
the p r e s e n t effort to establish a school e m b r a c i n g a p r e p a r a t o r y ,
a normal and a collegiate d e p a r t m e n t , is worthy of o u r s u p p o r t .
^*2d.
That the p r e s e n t condition of the m o v e m e n t demands of a l l interested in
right e d u c a t i o n , a n d d e s i r i n g the extended u s e f u l n e s s of the Society of F r i e n d s , to
throw their influence decidedly in favor of the early establishment of such a n institution, aini d^ h eto p ar io dp o by
u b s c 2r 0i tp ht i uo ln ts . , a n d a d j o u r n e d to m e e-t — at
— —
s e d just
m e e t ia n gd wreasonable
a s h e l d on s the
London G r o v e , on the 2 4 t h inst., when it is expected that some F r i e n d s from the city
will be p r e s e n t .
»
A general a t t e n d a n c e is requested."
^ W e regard this movement as one of deep interest throughout our Society; a n d
for the benefit of a g o o d cause think it right to m a k e some statements of its progress
in this r e g i o n .
^ W i t h i n the p a s t two y e a r s several conferences w e r e a p p o i n t e d by the Executive
Committee of P h i l a d e l p h i a Y e a r l y M e e t i n g , a n d a t t e n d e d by some of their number w i t h i n
IV
I the W e s t e r n q u a r t e r .
L
A t these a number of the y o u n g e r heads of families and a few
t
others g a v e their a t t e n d a n c e , and generously fostered the g o o d w o r k by p r o m p t l y subscribing to its s t o c k .
(The amount of subscriptions in our quarter h a s now reached
$2875, 115 shares of s t o c k , h a v i n g been taken by 60 f r i e n d s . )
M o s t of our stockholders
very properly assisted in a d o p t i n g the p r e s e n t constitution - choosing the l o c a t i o n ,
and in electing the B o a r d of M a n a g e r s to w h o m the a d v a n c e m e n t of this responsible a n d
arduous trust is at present c o m m i t t e d .
**The early contributors w e b e l i e v e generally u n d e r s t a n d the embarrassing position in w h i c h their chosen a g e n t s without a d e q u a t e m e a n s are i n v o l v e d .
T h e y are gen-
erally disposed to confide in their judgment as to the extent and arrangement of the
institution n e e d e d , a n d w h i c h it is their duty to decide u p o n , e r e c t , a n d organize in
such m a n n e r as will best subserve the objects
contemplated.
* I n a p p r o a c h i n g their task the M a n a g e r s h a v e m a d e k n o w n , that owning to circumstances peculiar to the times, a larger amount of capital is n e e d e d than at a n earlier
date, it w a s honed would suffice to start this institution with fair chance for s u c c e s s .
But even to p l a n such an establishment demands that the amount of capital the Society
is disposed to furnish shall be first a s c e r t a i n e d .
B a s e d to serve the wants of so
wide a territory, the Managers doubtless f e e l that to p r o c e e d to erect a c c o m m o d a t i o n s
for a small number of p u p i l s only would fail to m e e t the wants of the S o c i e t y .
^ S u c h p o r t i o n s of the establishment a s will be in first d e m a n d , do not admit
of being built by s e c t i o n s , a n d h e n c e such p o r t i o n s once c o m m e n c e d , the capacity of the
institution cannot well b e i n c r e a s e d .
W i t h this u n d e r s t a n d i n g of the m a t t e r , some
of our contributors favor a p e r s i s t e n t effort b e i n g now m a d e to canvass the merits of
the whole subject, confident that as it comes to b e b e t t e r u n d e r s t o o d , it w i l l commend
itself to a more general s u p p o r t , a n d the requisite capital be f u r n i s h e d .
Such is the
feeling of some who h a v e countenanced this m o v e m e n t from its s t a r t , and contributed of
their means.Whilst the records of our Quarterly a n d of our M o n t h l y m e e t i n g s a few years
3r I J l
^
' "back, show the dissatisfaction then felt with existing opportunities of education,
the;/ further ipanifest a general desire to get u p schools to he taught by members a n d
under the supervision of F r i e n d s .
|
In some instances we find allusion m a d e to an in-
stitution, such, in p a r t , as that now sought to be established; but no way seemed then
open to advance, beyond committee reports of an impracticable character.
In strange
contrast with the past feeling on this interesting concern, when the siibject in its
present practicable shape is p r o p o s e d , some of our members fear it as something tending
to the exaltation of man's intellectual powers at the expense of his religious sentiment .
^ S o m e Friends have long felt that our Society has not been meeting its duty
in the educational field.
Discouraged from working through the p u b l i c school system,
or co-operating in surrounding institutions, it becomes a duty to do our part of the
work in such other w a y as m a y seem b e s t .
^Accepting then the present attempt to establish a n educational institution
to comprise a normal and a collegiate department, a n d preparatory classes as incidental
thereto, as the practicable shape which surrounding circumstances and the judgment of
many earnest minds have finally given to this long-standing concern, we trust it will
soon receive more general support, and stand acquitted of hindering cavils, so at
variance with our Societv records on the subject.
J . H . J.\
The Ffiends of New Y o r k Yearly Meeting held a conference in the interests of
the college on 5 t h . Month 2 4 , 1864j
month l a t e r .
and those of Fishing Creek Half Year's Meeting one
The latter conference was h e l d , a correspondent reported to the Intel-
I2J
ligencer ,
"in order to promote an interest in the proposed boarding school.
All
present appeared interested in the progress of this great w o r k , and a committee was
appointed to call u p o n each m e m b e r of the several Monthly Meetings in that district of
country."
- m a , - v o l * s i , r* voQr-JZfs+oJU.
I b i d , V o l . Sl^TS.
2 8 1 . ~~
171 -
5
: T h e F r i e n d s of Cain Q u a r t e r l y M e e t i n g h e l d a conference a t E a s t C a i n , P a . ,
/ijL
on 7 t h . M o n t h 2 8 , 1 8 6 4 , ' the f o l l o w i n g "brief a c c o u n t of w h i c h a p p e a r e d in the
/
Intelligencer;
^ S c h o o l Conference at C a i n , Chester C o u n t y , P a . - A t the close of the
interesting Quarterly M e e t i n g , at C a i n , on the 2 8 t h u l t . , the School Conference was
h e l d , a s a g r e e d u p o n "by the E x e c u t i v e C o m m i t t e e .
w e r e in a t t e n d a n c e .
Several m e m b e r s of that Committee
These gave h b r i e f a c c o u n t of the origin a n d progress of this
c o n c e r n , a n d the claim w h i c h it has u p o n the m e m b e r s of the Society of F r i e n d s .
The
necessity for the establishment of such a n I n s t i t u t i o n was forcibly p r e s e n t e d to the
view of those p r e s e n t .
The g a t h e r i n g w a s s m a l l , a n d it is to b e regretted that m a n y
were in such h a s t e to return to their h o m e s that the subject did n o t obtain due consideration.
B u t from the expressions of interest w h i c h m a n y gave after the a d j o u r n m e n t ,
the m e m b e r s of the Committee believe that this section of country w i l l c o n t r i b u t e its
share of w o r k e r s , a n d a p r o p o r t i o n a l a d d i t i o n to the subscription list."*"
T h e F r i e n d s of L i t t l e B r i t a i n , Pa.., h e l d their conference on 1 0 t h . M o n t h
1 6 , 1864;
a n d those of Little C r e e k , D e l a w a r e , on 1 2 t h . M o n t h 1 , 1 8 6 4 .
T h i s last
conference was held on "the day on w h i c h the Y o u t h s ' M e e t i n g is h e l d , succeeding
Southern Q u a r t e r l y Meeting."
-
-
-fondort•Pp» 171 <
Oll.)-
I b i d , •Verl-.
p p . 2 9 7 , 3 1 3 . This conference was stated to b e "connected with the establishment of a first class Institution of L e a r n i n g , u n d e r the care of m e m b e r s of
the Society of Friends."junju,
8 t h . M o n t h 6 , 1864
345).
I b i d . V o l . 31v P . 5 0 6 .
/
I b i d , ¥«l.-3i>, -p. 6 0 0 .
L
9- j j j
feeye-app en rs-to bo-no account of -this- laot A n n u a l Meeting of the Fricivi
matirmnl ABfrqniation t which wao the first A n n u a l M a t i n g &f Llib Cui',uoi'ftt>ion. of Swai&feg
•f n^llagfi, -in
thp mfamioffript nr printniii r ° n H n p . n r H
1
rondo - Ittfrctti&saoer s(rrrbg-~fails
rven our hithrr-t
at thia critical p o i n w ^
"The Executive Committee to p r o m o t e subscriptions to F r i e n d s ' Educational Assoition"\ha£- published in the Intelligencer regular notices of the time a n d place of its
stings, during the years 1864 a n d 1 8 6 5 .
A t regular intervals, on 3 r d . M o n t h 1 0 , 6 t h .
ith 1 0 , 9 t h . Month 9 , 1 2 t h . M o n t h 3 , 1 3 6 4 , J 3 r d . M o n t h 1 0 , 1865 ; a"Quarterly Meeting of
the Committees ["for the collection of funds throughout P h i l a d e l p h i a Yearly
j 2$
Meeting^
/ 30
; h e l d . ' In the issue of the Intelligencer for 2 n d . M o n t h 2 7 , 1364,' "One of the E x .
l." contributed the following appeal:
^Swarthmore College.
T h i s concern is slowly but steadily in p r o g r e s s .
Those
z;aged in its working operations a r e endeavoring to m o u l d it into such shape as may meet
5 views of Friends in all sections.
We a l l have one common interest at h e a r t , - to
;ablish a school to w h i c h those parents who desire to place their children under m o r e
tended educational influences than a r e found in their own n e i g h b o r h o o d s , m a y send t h e m ,
r
sling a n assurance t h a t , while they a r e receiving useful learning u n d e r the care of
licious and competent p e r s o n s , they are also b e i n g trained in p r i n c i p l e s of piety and
* M o unprejudiced mind will deny that such a n institution is needed among u s .
>se who desire to qualify themselves for future independence as teachers, or for a n y of
! lea,rned p r o f e s s i o n s , are now necessarily obliged to seek such advantages beyond the
'luences of our Society; m a n y whose parents can a f f o r d to pay for an exoensive course
tuition are sent to schools of that character, w h i l e children in less favored circumnces enter the public schools.
Vol^SQ,
Thus two distinct classes a r i s e , w h i c h must
760, V o l . f f i , ftp. 5 7 , 1 2 1 , 2 6 5 , 3 4 6 , 4 8 8 , 699,~~76ZT
V o l : ® , p.
825 ,")fl (ol32Cr, fp.200,
V o l D O T , p p . 809 - 1 0 .
4 0 Q , 617, 809, 825.
'
eventually
&
—
/
7/
produce consequences totally a d v e r s e to the spirit of our o r g a n i z a t i o n .
«*To guard against this d a n g e r , it b e c o m e s indispensably incumbent u p o n u s to
make greater and m o r e liberal p r o v i s i o n for the school instruction of our younger m e m b e r s .
The m o v e m e n t , h a v i n g in view this r e s u l t , originated a n d is kept aliVe u n d e r a religious
concern for the guarded education of the children," a n d *as Friends a r e u n i t e d and cherish
a disposition of liberality for the a s s i s t a n c e of each other in this important work,^
they w i l l be made w i l l i n g to give of their p e n u r y oTf their a b u n d a n c e in order to accelerate its c o m p l e t i o n .
* T h o s e a c t i v e l y engaged in this w o r k , so deeply feel its importance to the wellbeing of our S o c i e t y , that they a r e willing b o t h to labor a n d to w a i t , if they can b e
made instrumental in p r o m o t i n g the establishment of such a n institution as the one contemplated **
17
[ ^ u j t <£>*«- :
1
"
T h e annual report of the E x e c u t i v e Committee w a s p r e s e n t e d on 5 t h . M o n t h 1 0 ,
1 8 6 ^ at a "General Conference of F r i e n d s , a n d those interested in the cause of E d u c a t i o n ,
particularly in relation to the efforts now m a k i n g for the establishment of a first
class school and c o l l e g e , u n d e r the supervision of m e m b e r s of our religious S o c i e t y ' . ^ ^
This "Report to the Subscribers to the Stock of Swarthmore College,'within the limits
of Philadelphia Y e a r l y Meeting" is of m u c h general a n d statistical interest* and in as
'
fnil
fit*-
-
7
'
'
dlrfL^
-
!2 -
I b i d , V 0 l \ « k , P. 136I b i d , Vffll. ? 1 , P p . 1 - 5 0 —
SJS-zka,
<0
j^^Roj^
\73T
I
Jtt
jfLat-
/ V
1-171-1
.
JUL.
A-r
/fcL.
6 Z u ^ j j k i .
A O L
fc
y h L ^
^ y O ^ t z ^ J L
^
/ w r .
I
I*
S C 3 j
^ w v asL*^
ii
r//
—
Executive Committee of Friends, within the limits of the Philadelphia
Yearly Meeting, for promoting subscriptions to Swarthmore College, present fchci following
Report:
the report presented a year ago gave in detail the origin and progress
of this enterprise, it will be sufficient in this to review the labors of the past
year, and to present to view the present situation and future requirements of the
concern.
^Conferences have been held, during the past year, at Kennett Square, London
Grove, New Garden, Fallowfield and Sadsbury, in the Fifth-month last; Radnor and
Goshen in the Sixth-month ;\Horsham and Byberry in the El event hr-mont h^, and Upper Greenwich, Woodstown, Salem and Lower Greenwich, in New Jersey, in the First-month last.
*These were all attended by members of this Committee, who endeavored to
arouse an interest in the subject of Education, among those who were willing to give
ear Jo their pleadings; and subscriptions were solicited to the capital stock of the
proposed Institution.
On some occasions we have been much encouraged, though
generally we have obtained subscriptions greatly disproportioned to the admitted
resources of the respective neighborhoods.
^Everywhere the young, who have experienced the disadvantages of the prevalent indifference to the claims of intellectual culture, have responded with alacrity
to the appeals made on behalf of this enterprise, and many have subscribed of their
small savings.
Young parents look with solicitude to the time when their own off-
spring, thirsting for knowledge, will be claiming from the Society, in which they have
a birth-right, those educational advantages which it should be one of the chief aims
of a religious society to supply, and of this class there are maqy impatient of the
slow progress being made in this concern.
* I n view of the small results from our recent conferences, we have encouraged
those alifte to the importance of the concern to organize joint committees for continuous
labor among their friends and neighbors. A n organization of this kind has recently
been formed within the limits of Western Quarterly Meeting, where much indifference
and some opposition remains to be overcome.
It is impossible for a Central Committee
located in Philadelphia to call upon Friends generally throughout the limits of our
Yearly Meeting.
We, therefore, recommend that the committee to be now appointed be
authorized and encouraged to obtain the co-operation of at least one friend of each
sex in all the Monthly Meetings, where it is believed further labor would be profitable.
Those belonging to the same Quarterly Meeting to constitute a committee, meeting at
least monthly till the time of the next Annual Meeting of the stockholders of Swarthmore
College, in the 12th month, or longer, if necessary, to call on all the members of their
respective meetings and solicit subscriptions, and to devise such means as will in
their Judgment best promote the interest in this important concern.
^Representatives from the local committees are desired to correspond with and
meet the Executive Committee at its stated meetings in the 6th, 9th and 12th months of
the present, and 3d month of next year.
^ T h e Executive Committee shall report to the next Ahnual Meeting of the Philadelphia contributors, to be held on Third-day evening of our next Yearly Meeting week,
as way may open.
?*Th.e action of the Annual Meeting of the Contributors, held at the Race
Street Meeting House on the 1st of 12th month, last, is well known; the important subjects of location and name were then determined upon, and the directions of the Contributors have, as we learn, been carried out by the Board of Managers as far as the
necessary legal forms could be perfected in advance of the taking out of the charter, and
the meeting of the corporators under it.
The charter has been issued within the past
week, as follows
=*A committee of the Board to investigate and determine upon the organization of
the proposed institution has been engaged upon the object of their appointment during
nU- / 7 /
LS
numerous interesting meetings, and one of their number has visited some of the institutions of learning in New England, with a view to aid in their deliberations..
*The wants of our Society demand that ample provision should be made to
accommodate a large
number of pupils; looking not only to those among our children who
would desire the advantages of a full collegiate education, but also to that much larger
number who will be so much benefitted by the care of our institution in its preliminary
department, and to those who will desire to fit themselves to act as teachers, the Board
are united that a preliminary, a collegiate, and a normal department should be included
in it, and that the buildings should be of a substantial character, and capable of
accommodating 300 pupils.
^The economy of instruction will evidently be closely connected with the
number of students; if the number be limited, the corps of professors and teachers
will necessarily be limited, or the cost of instruction increased, in the same ratio*
"This consideration, together with the present greatly enhanced prices of
materials and labor, must retard the work of building until the subscriptions are largely
increased an^paid in. ( ^ X ^ O X ^
i U ^ J x ^
y
^
/IL
* T o this end, therefore, we would recommend that a united and vigorous
effort should be made during the current year; the whole amount now subscribed leaves,
after paying for the purchase of the site, a sum which ought to be largely increased
before we should be justified in entering upon the work of building, and which must be
doubled before we can carry out the plans proposed.
If each subsciriber for the past
year would duplicate his or her subscription for the present year, payable between now
and the first of the year 1865, or failing in this, would procure another subscriber for
a like amount, we might look with confidence toward the erection of Swarthmore College
during the year following; and with the Divine blessing upon our efforts, might anticipate for thousands of children yet unborn the advantages of a sound and liberal education within its walls, under circumstances favorable to their imbibing the principles
87
Mr
///
and testimonies of Friends.
T
The amount paid in to C . M . Biddle, the general Receive^,is $34,275, a part
of which is at ihterest.
** SUBSCRIPTIONS IN PHILADELPHIA YEARLY MEETING
persons
Shares
Quar. Meeting
Monthly Meeting
Philadelphia
Green Street
Spruce Street
Radnor
Exeter
Abington
Byberry
Horsham
Gwynedd
Buckingham
Splebury
Wrightstown
Makefield
Middletown
Falls
Qpakertown,N.Jersey
Chester, Penna.
Darby
Goshen
Concord
Wilmington
Birmingham
Sadsbury
Kennett
London Grove
New Garden
Fallowfield
Cecil
Chesterfield
M t . Holly
Burlington
Chester,N.Jersey
Woodbury
Pilesgrove
Salem
Greenwich
Tithin Gennessee Y . M .
Indiana Yearly Meeting
Shares
Amount
Philadelphia
221
770
$19,250
Abington
127
178
4 i 600
101
179
4,475
211
462
11,550
Cain
32
37
925
Western
60
114
2,850
2
4
100
Burlington
41
89
2,225
Haddonfield
23
65
1,625
Salem
57
76
1,900
Bucks
Concord
100
I j
38
29
JC
1
4)
73*
14,»
Southern
2\
65'i
"22*
22'^
Contribution by a Member, Wilmington,
"
Green Street,
M"
M t . Holly,
1
1
877
105 }
1988
>
$49,700
$10
10
10
qbMjvK
nttf. i
ft
J>
-
CH^EEB
m .
172
-
THE BUILDI1IG OF SWARTHMORE COLLEGE, 1864 - 69.
The Location of the College.
The decision (in 5th. Month, I863) in regard to the method of voting was held,
at least by the editors of the Intelligencer, to place the final decision as to location
also in the hands of thelAssociation.
A paragraph of its editorial of 6th. Month 13
states: "The mooted subject of the location of the school is by this change so far taken
From the Board of Managers, that their duties in regard to it are rendered merely advisory,
the determination of the site requiring a stock vote in person or by proxy, after three
ionths notice has been given, and ample opportunities afforded to all to come to an intelligent conclusion."
The question had meanwhile been discussed with animation, both in private and
.n the Intelligencer. An editorial in the latter, dated the 11th. of Hth. Month, IS63,
>pened its columns to the discussion, but with the expressed fear "lest it may be carried
>n in a way to detract from the interest in the concern, now increasing and manifesting
.tself among Friends generally."
It therefore appealed for conciliation, directness and
irevity on the part of its correspondents, reminding them that the editors would be imlartial, and that the question was "of great interest and almost vital importance", since
;he contemplated movement is perhaps the most important which has taken place among Friends
'or years."
City
versus
Country
The vicinity of Philadelphia as the center of American Quakerism, was tacitly
accepted for the location of the new institution; but there remained the important question
.s to whether it should be located "in a strictly rural district, or within the range of
Ity conveniences."
The first correspondent, an anonymous one, contributed an article
j
2
0 the Intelligencer dated "*3d m o . 31st, 1863,^ which urged three advantages of a city
-
Vol. XX, p . 73.
- I£id» PP. 73 - 7^.
-
ver a country location.
These were:
172 -
a
greater convenience of access; the greater
lealthfulness of the city, during the period of the year that the school would he
S ^ f
/73J
-
SSb
er
11 session; and. the great! e c o n o m y , after the school w a s established.
Since railroads
T*
n d telegraphs centered in the c i t y , " p a r e n t s , g u a r d i a n s , oj| f r i e n d s , living within 100
.11 ss of P h i l a d e l p h i a , desiring to visit the c o l l e g e , could do so and. return h o m e the
erne night."
During J u l y , A u g u s t , a n d p a r t of S e p t e m b e r , "the p u p i l s would be at the
isoosal of their p a r e n t s " , and. could be removed from the city's h e a t ; w h i l e the urud a n d
now of the remaining m o n t h s of the y e a r w o u l d "so often interrupt the out-door
exercises
f the p u p i l s - p a r t i c u l a r l y the girls - a n d so often would prevent their w a l k i n g to
leeting, that the city (where the p a v e m e n t s soon dry a n d the snow is at once r e m o v e d )
'ould seem to present very great a d v a n t a g e s for daily out-door e x e r c i s e , so necessary to
.ealth and ohysical d e v e l o p m e n t ? ' A s to "the m o r e economical m a n a g e m e n t of the school in
be city after it is established", this correspondent u r g e d that even though the cost of
lie land in the city w o u l d be g r e a t e r than in the c o u n t r y , the greater cost of erecting
he b u i l d i n g s in the country w o u l d equal or exceed it; and that even if the greater ini^.al cost in the city should require a n a d d i t i o n a l interest expenditure of $ 1 , 0 0 0 p e r
innum, "the numberless dally expenses" should cost $2,000. p e r annum less in the city than
.n the c o u n t r y .
The lower p r i c e of f u e l , the cheap a n d b o u n t i f u l supply of w a t e r a n d g a s , the
:orrrpetitive price of farm products coming in to the city from all d i r e c b p a *
the fact that
;he city is the base of supplies of a l l k i n d s , w o u l d m a k e an urban l o c a t i o n m o r e economical;
h i l e "another great economy" in the city "would b e found in the employment of competent
irofessors, to give lessons or lectures on subjects not taught V
the resident teachers -
if you w i s h to emplcjr a p r o f e s s o r f o r one h o u r , y o u would only pay him for the h o u r yo-u
aiployed h i m - if it took h i m a n h o u r to g o , and a n h o u r to return from the school, you
rould have to r»ay for three h o u r s ' t i m e , a n d receive o n l y one hour's service."
One w e e k l a t e r , the Intelligencer
contained a l e t t e r , signed only
^
>l
r
3 -f^^^
ut/jwritteta b y a m e m b e r of the B o a r d of M a n a g e r s , who stressed the difficulty a n d responsibility of the task of deciding on the location a n d m a n y other vital questions
,
— 7
Ql
l i — — n r t r
W7Hi gi n r f Q ("•^-•'•".n
.T. nrir.conA-g-
connected
—
7V
/ y ^
Lth the school, and. advocated the appointment of a committee of the h o a r d to study
;her educational experiments and "to visit some of the normal and other schools in the
svera.1 S t a t e s , a n d especially in New E n g l a n d , where the greatest amount of experience has
:;en
attained."
T r ^ a ^ v i
Immediately following this letter came a reference to "Vassar Female College"
iich had been founded about two years b e f o r e .
Matthew V a s s a r had endowed this college
Lth $408,000 and 200 acres of land located about one m i l e east of P o u g h k e e o s i e .
Follow-
ft
ig this reference came extracts from Vassar»s deed of trust which emphasized especially
ie need of the h i g h e r education of women; a n a p e r h a p s as a n answer to his advocacy of a
female"college , the Intelligencer
printed a quotationffrom " J . N e a l " , who remarked in
sgard to the association of men a n d women: ^ffhat makes those m e n who associate habitually
Lth women superior to others?
"What makes that w o m a n who is accustomed and at ease in
ie society of m e n superior to her sex in general? - - - Solely because they are in the
•ibit of f r e e , graceful a n d continual conversation with the other s e x .
Women in this way
ase their frivolity; their faculties awaken; their delicacies and peculiarities unfold
LI their beauty a n d captivation in the spirit of intellectual r i v a l r y .
leir p e d a n t i c ,
rude, declamatory, or sullen m a n n e r .
A n d the men lose
Their asperities a r e rubbed o f f ,
r.eir b e t t e r materials p o l i s h e d and b r i g h t e n e d , and their richness, like fine gold, is
rought into finer workmanship by the fingers of w o m e n , than it ever could be by those
But co-fj^ducrtion was scarcely "a question" in the Society of Friends; and the
ivocates of the new school oursued. their discussion of its desirable l o c a t i o n . A n
i
rticle signed B appeared in the Intelligencer of 5th M o n t h 9 , 1 8 6 3 , w h i c h stated five
objections to a city locality" as follows: The exposure of the p u p i l s to the corrupting
endencies of metropolitan temptations, when absent from the protection of pure home inf l u e n c e s ; the menace to health when subjected to the contaminated atmosphere where h u m a n
32Z
—
V o l V s e , p . 157 (Fifth M o n t h 1 5 , 1 8 6 3 ) .
V a l ^ D O , P . lPfrs^ S C ^
j. . f3>f-,
St
79-/7^
life is closely congregated, a fit medium for the ranid sr>read of contagious and nesti-
7
lential diseases, and at all times enervating in its effects;'
the vastly enhanced cost
of site, unless it was intended to confine the children within brick w a l l s , or give
them the alternative of the street* p r o m e n a d e , either of which nronositions would meet
'
with little favor amongst Friends; the greater cost of erectionr
/
and the want of patron-
a g e , since Friends generally are wedded to a rural location.
In renly to the objections against a rural location, this correspondent
suggested that if it should be on a railroad within twenty miles of P h i l a d e l p h i a , coal
could be delivered direct from the mines; gas could be manufactured by the school (as is
done by the large city hotels); food in all its staple varieties could be procured direct
from neighboring farms; and ease of access would soon be facilitated by the anticipated
concentration of the termini of all the main roads entering the city in 'Test Philadelp h i a , so that under the same roof passengers will step from one train to the other and
in an hour's time arrive at the school.
, , .
_
,, .
Three weeks later, the Intelligencer/
"
Indianapolis, who said that he was "not without experience in the conduct of educational
establishments for both sexes", and who presented a dozen arguments in favor of a "rural
district not very remote from a city."
His arguments were in the main a repetition of
those already advanced; but he contributed some new light, as follows: The buildings,
"instead of being one towering structure, mounting some five or six stories in height,
as mast be the case in the city where ground room is scarce", should be several in
number, of few stories a.nd detached, "in case of accidental conflagration, to which
fearful casualty school edifices are notoriously more liable than almost rny others.'
3
A farm and a garden for fruits, flowers end vegetables should be owned by the school,frorp
\ - This argument was illustrated by the recent removal of several city military hospitals to the invigorating and. p u r e a i r of the country, where occurred a marked decrease of average deaths a n d an increased convalescence.
r..
X, - This argument was illustrated by the building of "the Training-school at Media" L r ^ V "
bids for whose erection varied from $70,000 and $75,000 by country contractors, to *
$100,000 and $150,000 by city contractors.
\ - Vol,
I'jL
which it could raise its own food a n d thus supply a p u r e r a n d fresher d i e t , as well as
reduce t^je cost of h o a r d i n g , e n a b l e the p o o r e r students to w o r k their w a y , a n d provide
for a department of scientific a g r i c u l t u r e .
"To the ""female students in p a r t i c u l a r " , this
writer a r g u e d , "these m e a n s of practical instruction a n d exaltation for"the b e a u t i e s of
H a t u r e , would be invaluable; for u p o n them must d e v o l v e , in a great m e a s u r e , the task of
b e a u t i f y i n g their future homes"; it m i g h t a l s o , he s u g g e s t e d , help to prevent "a, resort
to those trifling and senseless a m u s e m e n t s wlii3h so often tempt the y o u n g to a dissipation
of their time and e n e r g i e s " .
The m u d a n d snow of the c o u n t r y , h e t h o u g h t , could "be
readily compensated for by a p p r o p r i a t e covered enclosures for gymnastic a n d calisthenic
exercises. - - - The m o r a l and aesthetic influences of the c o u n t r y , w h e r e Nature is the
presiding genius over the habitudes of man. a n d the surroundings of h i s
earthly
home,
viewed in comparison with the w a r p i n g influences of a city life with its artificial
surroundings - - - a r e p r e e m i n e n t l y the m o r e consonant w i t h - - - Friends,"
The city is
more distracting to intellectual tasks; a. m o r e h o m e - l i k e school or college can. be
created in the country; a n d , while city p a r e n t s p r e f e r to send their children to country
schools, country parents will not send theirs to the city for a p r o l o n g e d
stay.
xa
^Lr-
In fcsie^same number of the I n t e l l i g e n c e r , Z replied to B , insisting that "the
protection of pure h o m e infl ences" could a n d s h o u l d be a s great in the city as in the
country; that a site for a school for healthy y o m ? p e o p l e , and not for a h o s p i t a l , was
L
being s o u g h t , and Friends' country schools (such as that£Nine P a r t n e r s , H . Y . , in 1814-15^
where experienced a n d skilful p h y s i c i a n s were l a c k i n g , suffered occasionally from
epidemics of typhoid, etc.; that " b r i c k walls" a r e w a r m e r in w i n t e r ana. cooler in s u m m e r ,
a n d the "street promenade" is b e t t e r than no p r o m e n a d e ; that b u i l d i n g - c o s t s are u s u a l l y
less in the city; gsaa. that country children are eager to start their careers in the city;
and that an unfailing supply of p u r e
r a t e r , d e l i v e r e d in a l l the rooms of the b u i l d i n g ,
1
is of i t s e l f , a l l things
to turn the scale in favor of a
O S * . else
*
jb^e inn fg ce q u a l , sufficient
1
•1 - V o l t 00, r . 10?n
city l o c a l i t y .
/0 - JlUct?
i
.
i
""
'7L-
U
J
'
XC ^ TdlLjSU^^U^
-
*—
B
t
11
ami b l'., veiBua.
f7i
~
^Philadelphia was doubtless intended by its founder to be a city endeared to
ts residents by mary of the charms of country life.
The capital of his beloved territory
ast have arisen in PENH'S imagination a cluster of modest dwellings embowered in shrubsry, resembling some pastoral town of his native Essex, but pierced with streetways of
neater width and stpmetry, and ventilated by means of its five public pleasure-grounds
Lstributed in the quincunx
form so familiar to the landscape gardening of the
ay. Pennsylvania, as one vast mine of valuable minerals, was then undiscovered; that
ineral (which especially represents her value in the commerce of the nation would have
ignified nothing to PENN if he had found it.
The utmost prosperity contemplated in his
odest hopes was a/e|^h.lth of cornfields and butter farms, enwreathing his garden city, such
s those through which our route will lie in this Excursion.
tf^In such a town, the arguments put forward by the moralist would have been arguments
or keeping the people at home.
The best securities for health and virtue would have
waited them in their own dooryards.
But Philadelphia is now a focus of commercial high-
ays and a port of floating trade, crowded with a population of eight hundred thousand,
nd supporting, among the penalties of prosperity, an unproductive family of over three
housand in its principal poorhouse alone, to say nothing of those who are less directly
tax upon its citizens, or of those who encumber its prisons.
ortions like these, it is proper to reverse the argument.
hould be shown.
When a city reaches pro-
The advantages of dispersion
Men of means should be persuaded to withdraw from the centres of popu-
ation, leaving room for the artisans, whose interests are damaged by their beine: removed
rom proximity to daily labor.
Every well-to-do merchant or manufacturer
lis home outside the metropolis where his business is conducted, enriches two localities
.nstead of one.
His prosperity adds to the wealth of the city at one end of the line;
i.t the other, a host of little industries spring up as the result of his presence.
lany are withdrawn from the crowded town to form his household.
So
So mary immigrants
.ssisting in the culture of his land are desirably planted in the country, instead of adding to the accumulation of city foreigners, whose tendency is always towards pauperism,
-o many farmers' boys, we may add, are kept busjr supplying his wants, instead of yielding
o the temptation to follow their produce to the city.
The example of so much refinement
nd cultivation takes root in the location, ameliorating manners and dispelling prejudices,
n short, we have a little spot, or so many scores or hundreds of little spots, where
he needs and polish of wealth go to enrich the country; where the healthful interests of
ural life replace the impure relaxations of the town; where, in fact, the advantages of
oth kinds of existence meet and enhance each other.
do not, however, adopt modes of existence from such abstract motives.
The
e.
erchant's villa is built neither for the sake of his gardner nor of his agricultural
A
eighbors, - it is built for his own.
rosperity of the city.
It is built because rents have advanced with the
It is built because, at thirty miles from town, it lies nearer,
n time, than his grandfather's estate had been at ten miles out.
It is there because
otion is more luxurious than of old, and the habit of motion without mental disturbance
s acquired.
To these causes, which actively solicit the business man to keep house
eyond the city, are added the assiduities of the railway companies, who, when their lines
re tributary, as in the present instance, to districts improved by citizens, take care to
eet the demand by frequent trains and accommodating time tables.
^This practice of transacting business in the city while living without it has long
btained in England, and of latter years has greatly increased in this country.
It is far
ore common in Boston and New York than it has yet become in Philadelphia, which does not
ery easily get rid of its enviable and time-honored credit as a congenial living-place.
>7L
New York, especially, from its size and. water-bound, situation, is a notable example of
the habit under consideration; the angle embraced by its rivers is abandoned to commerce,
and its chief business men frequently reside as far out as forty miles on the Harlem and
other roads, and pass to and fro daily.
Even a city like Pittsburgh, to take an example
from our own State, had advanced beyond Philadelphia in this desirable form of living.
It is the statement of HON.THOMAS A . SCOTT, Vice-President of the Pennsylvania Railroad,
that the local travel of that line is much heavier to the distance of twelve or fifteen
miles east from Pittsburgh than for a similar extent of road west from Philadelphia."^*
fL^L
177
While\*Ja4»» debate over location was proceeding, during the summer of
1863, the Board of M&nagers* Committee on Location prosecuted its task, and the
Board itself took action at its meeting on 9th. Month 23, 1863.
This meeting (the
fourth in the serieil^ was held "at the call of the Clerk", William Dorsey, who had
&
published a notice of it in the Intelligencer for 9th. Month 12,
with the following
request: "The committee on location request that the members of the Board from a
distance shall come prepared to remain a few days, that they may have an opportunity
of examining some of the locations offered to the Association."
The Board's meeting was held in Race Street Meeting-House, with seventeen
members present, and adopted the following minute^: "A report was presented by the
committee on location referring to various properties selected by them from the number
submitted for their examination; with the information that arrangements had been made
to visit them."
The following day was accordingly spent by the members of the "board
in visiting the various sites; and when fourteen of their number re-assembled at an
adjourned meeting on the 25th., the following minute was adopted? "After a frew and
interesting discussion, and expression of views upon the important subject of location the committee was continued to give it further attention."
On the 11th. of 11th. Month following, the Board met at the home of Edward
Parrish, No. 146 N . 10th. Street, Philadelphia, ten members being present.
The fol-
j lowing minute was adoptedj^On consideration of the whole subject of the location for
i
' the proposed Institution William D . Parrish, Edward Hoopes & Edward Parrish were appointed to obtain from the owners of the several properties considered most eligible
a refusal for thirty days, with specific offers in writing, and to draw up a desI cription of two or more, most approved by this Board and
I I - The third meeting of the Board had been held in New
conference there on 5th. Month 2 7 , 1863 (Cf. infra,
I $ - V o l . ^ , p . 424.
send the same to every
York in connection with the
frp. 170. r i
)
'
'
178
member of 1he Association, as far as practicable, with a notice of the time and place
of the Annual Meeting on the 1st. of the 12th. month, at which it is proposed that
the selection of a location should be submitted to a stock vote of the Association.*
Three weeks later, the 30th. of 11th. Month, 1863, the Board held a meeting at
Race Street, with twenty-four members present.
The committee of three reported that
"they had obtained the refusal of the West Dale property & also of the Wissahickon
property at fixed prices for thirty days and had distributed the information in the
form of Circulars amongst the subscribers to the stock of the Association.^ fhe Board
»
then appointed a committee consisting of John D . Hicks (of New York), Edward Parrish
(of Philadelphia), and Levi K . Brown (of Baltimore) "to prepare a report of this Board
to the meeting of the Association", which was to be held the next day.
At one o'clock
the next day, two hours before the Association m e t , twenty-six members of the Board
held a session and adopted the report prepared by the committee^
•gluce Eligible Dlbett
rjollaiumj tu Uko holding of the Association*^ meeting, the Board of Manogogp
directed a committee-of three of its members lu pieyaro and •distribute in print roplan.
i
r
p
j
j
f
the following "Circular to r the Stockholders of Friends' Educational Association: ^
<*Phe annual meeting of the Association occurs on the first day of the 12th
month next, at 3 o'clock P.M., at Friends' Meeting House, Race Street, Philadelphia.
* I n many respects this will be a most important meeting, as it is expected that
the Association, which has heretofore been ih a forming condition, will now complete
its organization, and several questions, which have caused ranch inquiry and discussion,
will come up for settlement.
fhe Location
-^f,
Committee
0
1
f the Board of Managers, who have had in charge the preliminary
selection of locations suitable for the proposed School or College, having advertised
It is printed in a leaflet of four pages.
for offers and received numerous descriptions of properties offered for sale, have
179
j visited many of these and others within twenty miles of Philadelphia.
A property in
the rural part of the city, which was looked upon with favor by some members of the
Board of Managers, has been ascertained to be so incumbered in consequence of the insolvency of one of the joint owners that we have been unable to obtain a definite
offer, which would bring it within the scope of the present report, and we have therefore selected, as the most eligible, the three described "below, which, by direction of
the Board of Managers, are to be submitted to the Stockholders at the approaching meeting for their adoption, of one or other, by a stock vote.
^PPhe West dale property, Springfield Township, Delaware County, Pa.» is situated
on the Philadelphia and West Chester Railroad, and on the Chester and Providence Boad,
which forms its eastern boundary, within three-quarters of a mile of the Philadelphia
and Baltimore turnpike.
By the railroad which runs through the property, it is ten
miles from the city; Westdale station being within three hundred yards of the building
site.
The plot, which it is proposed to purchase, embraces from 80 to 90 acres of laid,
most of which rises by a gentle ascent from the railroad, furnishing a fine building
site upon high ground sloping to the south, and commanding a fine view of the surrounding country and of the Delaware River in the distance.
There are ample springs rising
on the premises, several acres of woodland skirting the northern and western sides of
the hill, and a small grove in the vicinity of the building site.
and spring house are the only buildings.
A tenant house
On the western boundary of the property runs
Crum Creek, which is here a rapid stream from 15 to 20 feet wide with ample fall for
forcing water to any desirable point; near the southern line of the property the stream
becomes deeper, in consequence of being dammed about three-quarters of a mile below;
this famishes fine bathing and skating facilities, while no place offered to the Committee affords such romantic and secluded rambles as the rocky and sloping hill-sides
which bound this stream.
The Committee have secured the refusal of the property at a
price not exceeding $20,000 until after the date of the approaching meeting.
1 8 1
'g*Phe Wissahickon property. in Upper Dublin Township, Montgomery County, Pa.,
immediately on the line dividing it from Gwynedd, is situated at Wissahickon Station,
on the North Pennsylvania Railroad, 16 miles from Philadelphia.
This property is bound-
ed on two sides by turnpike roads, one of which leads to Conshohocken, on the Schuylkill,
and the other to Philadelphia, by the way of Chestnut Hill.
The whole plot consists
of about 140 acres, part of which could be disposed of without impairing its usefulness
for the purpose in view.
It contains a fine knob of elevated land near the station,
commanding a most beautiful view of the surrounding country, with Chestnut Hill and its
fine improvements in the distance.
There are two streams running through the property,
neither of them rising on it, each used for mill purposes, and the purchase would include a saw-mill, and fulling-mill on the premises; there are also two sets of farm
buildings on the opposite^ extremes of the place, and two tenant houses.
There is a
deep ravine along part of the line of the property on the turnpike, which is well wooded,
though the higher ground, most suitable for a building site, is destitute of fine trees.
There is a thriving orchard on the premises, and the soil is believed to be good and
capable of much improvement.
The price of this property is $200 per acre, and we hfjve
secured the refusal of it until after the annual meeting.
•JPfhe Hetchwoyth Farm, in Radnor Township, Delaware County, Pa., is situated on
a public road which intersects the Pennsylvania Railroad at Morgan's Corner Station,
about 12 miles from Philadelphia.
The building site is about one mile from this station
and 2 l/2 miles from Conshohocken, on the Norristown Railroad.
The land is high, and
commands an extended prospect of picturesque and varied scenery; the elevation is skirted
on the north and east by woods, exceeding 60 acres, chiefly of chestnut timber, beiides
a grove of about 10 acres, capable of being readily adapted to ornamental purposes. Several ample springs rise near the base of the hill and furnish a stream with sufficient
fall to propel water to the required elevation.
readily to improvement.
The soil, though thin, is said to yield
The distance of this property from the railway station and the
182
toilsome ascent from thence to the building site, have constituted objections in the
minds of many who have visited it, yet it is the only one we have met with on the Pennsylvania Railroad that has been deemed eligible for the proposed purchase.
It contains
about 140 acres, and the price is $100 per acre.tk
The Association Selects "West Dale"
The Annual Meeting of the Association had been anounced in the Intelligencer
ft
of 11th. Month 28, 1863,
with the statement that "the subject of the location of the
proposed School, the organization and adoption of a constitution, and other matters of interest will be presented for the consideration of the Stockholders."
A forthight later, the Intelligencer gave the following account of this important
n
meeting: jpThe first anniversary of Friends' Educational Association was held in Philadelphia on the 1st instant, consisting of an afternoon and an evening session.
^Several hundred contributors were present and the session was one of a high degree of interest.
The Board of Managers presented a report of their labors for the past
year.
^The selection of a suitable location for the erection of a College and its attendant buildings having claimed their serious and active consideration, and many sections
having been visited with reference to their appropriateness for such an object, the Board
of Managers unanimously agreed to present to the Association three different properties for
its selection.
^Previously to the Annual Meeting, a "Circular* was issued in which the three
locations were accurately described," and efforts were made to place this information in
r-
Vol:
601. This notice was signed by William D. Parrish and Edith W.Atlee, -laifc&^^u-,
the Intelligencer the week before (11th. Month 21, 1863,V^»3ft»p.585), there had appeared the following preliminary notice:
-*The subscribers to friends® Educational Association, are requested to pay to the local
receivers, the instalments now due on their subscriptions, which will entitle them to
vote at the approaching Annual Meeting. Receivers are desired to make their collections
I and forward returns of the same, on or before the 28th. inst., with a list containing
I full name and P.O. address of each subscriber. To accommodate those who find it inconI venient to make payments before that time, the books will be open at Race St. MeetingHouse, one hour before the time of the annual meeting, on the 1st prox.
I
CLEMENT M. BIDDLE. 131 Market St.,
4*.
1 Eleventh mo. 16th,1863.*'
Receiver for Phila. Executive Committee.
"
rpj-ioo-'-
183
he hands of every contributor, but fearing that all had not been made sufficiently
cquiinted with the respective merits of the different locations, two Friends, by appointent in the meeting, gave a full and favorable account of the two properties first named
n the circulars.
The decision of the subject was then, in accordance with the recommenda-
ion of the Board,submitted to a stock vote.
Inspectors of election were chosen to re-
eive vote8 from those in attendance, and ten days were allowed for those who were not
iresent to send in their votes in writing. The result was to be reported to the next meet*f7
ng of the Board of Managers
Pending the settlement of the question of location, the Association provided for
. new Board of Managers, a Charter, a Constitution, and a name. The Intelligencer's
cc
nominating committee was appointed to bring forward the names of
'riends to serve as Managers the ensuing year.
The meeting then adjourned till half-past
even o'clock in the evening.
*When the Association again convened, the committee appointed on the subject of
lanagers reported a selection from the names of the friends who had been nominated at preiou8 meetings held in Philadelphia, New York,and Baltimore, representing the contributors
Ithin the limits of those several Yearly Meetings.
They also recommended the reappointment
if the clerk and assistant clerk who had served the Association the previous year, which
•eport was adopted, and the Managers elected in accordance with the Constitution,
••The procuring of an act of incorporation from the Legislature of Pennsylvania was
leemed of great importance, and the Board of Managers instructed to give it early attention.
•The Constitution, with the amendments approved at informal meetings in New York
ind Baltimore, then claimed the deliberate consideration of the meeting
It was carefully
•evised and the amendments fully united with, and as the Constitution required that 'notice
if a proposed change in the Constitution shall be given and placed upon the minutes, and
ihall be decidedipon at the next Annual Meeting,' it was unanimously recommended for
adoption to the next Annual Meeting of the contributors*
184
(3
The Name of "Swarthmore" Adoptedjj
*Xa it was dearned expedient, "before making application for a charter, to conclude
»on a definite name "by which the school should "be designated, that of Swathmore £sicT|
•liege was suggested, and after a comparison of views, it was decided to accept this sugsstion, and insert the proposed name in the first article of the Constitution, in place
!" Friends' Educational Association, and that, in future, the Institution should be called
rathmore
College.^
<*?n accordance with the Constitution, we suppose a printed report of the proceedigs will be forwarded to each contributor.
The postoffice address of some of these not
>ing in possession of Friends ih the city, those who may not receive the Report will
.ease address Tfaj. D. Parrish, No. 1416, Arch St., Philadelphia.*
A week later (12th. Month 19, 1863), the Intelligencer completed its report of the
20
tnual meeting with the following statement s^Swarthmore College - The Report given in our
ist number of the action of the Annual Meeting of the Contributors to the projected In;itution, stated that the choice of location from those submitted by the Board of Managers,
is to be made by a stock vote of all the Contributors who had paid in an instalment upon
leir subscriptions.
Since that notice was written, the Inspectors of Election have made
leir report to the Boardof Managers as instructed, from which it appears that 1885 shares
sre voted by 636 individuals - of these, 1458 were voted for the property known as Westile, and 427 shares for that located at Wissahickon Station, on the North Pennsylvania
lil Rosld. It may also be interesting to know, that of the individuals voting, 508 voted
>r the former, and 17P for the latter property.
*fe understand that some of the Stockholders were necessarily prevented from reading their votes, while others had not complied with the conditions, by the payment of
le first instalment.
The very large preponderance in favor of the property in Delaware
junty, has of course influenced the Board of Managers to take the necessary steps to
- Margaret E. Hallowell, who suggested this name, may have been present at this annual
meeting of the Association and suggested it in person (Cf. supra, p.-6®-and infra,p.>00),
fo
649. See infra.
494,
185
| consummate the purchase.
]
We think it cause of congratulation that a decision has
I been reached on this question - the large number of persons interested, and the
; numerous considerations entering into the choice of a suitable location, have thrown
I around the decision unusual difficulties, but now that the selection has been made
j with such an approach to unanimity, we think all have abundant cause to be satisfied,
; and to renew their efforts in behalf of an institution promisi^ so much to future
generations.
^Phere are some considerations which tend towards a postponement of the work
of erecting and organizing the Institution, but there is a general disposition manifested to realize the hope entertained by so many parents, that their children, already under school instruction, may be able to avail themselves of this means of pursuing the higher branches of learning.
We hope that while the Managers are maturing
their plans, a vigorous effort may be made to increase the means at their disposal,
so as to warrant their moving forward as fast as circumstances will permit.^
The Association's Annual Meeting, 12th. Month 1, 1863
Besides the Intelligencer's accotlnt of this important meeting of the Association on 12th. Month 1, 1863, the official minutes of the meeting itself were printed in
I a four-page leaflet and were as followsiJ^She attendance of contributors from within
the limits of the Yearly meetings of Philadelphia, New York, and Baltimore was large,
|
/
*The following report of the Board of Managers was read and accepted:-
| ^ T o Friends' Educational Association:!
^'The Board of Managers report that their labors during the past year have been
mainly confined to the selection of a location for the proposed college, and that having obtained offers of numerous properties in the vicinity of Philadelphia, the most
eligible have been visited and their fitness investigated by the Board; of these, three
are described in a circular, which was sent to each contributor as far as practicable in
advance of the present meeting.
It is now proposed that each contributor should vote for
186
one or other of these, according to the number of shares of stock he has subscribed, and
that the majority of votes shall determine the location of the proposed institution.
^'The number of members within the limits of Philadelphia yearly meeting nho
have paid an instalment is 589, they have paid $18,330 on a subscription of $34,025.
The whole subscription as far as reported paid and unpaid is over $46,000.
#'The sum of $73,875 has been subscribed to the stock of the Association, of
which $22,375 was subscribed within the limits of New Yor# Yearly Meeting, $46,000 within the limits of Philadelphia Yearly Meeting, and $5,500 from within the limits of Baltimore Yearly Meeting; of this sum about $37,000 has been paid in up to the time of the
present meeting.1
^The following friends were appointed inspectors of the votes to be cast for
the location of the school? B. Rush Roberts, of Baltimore, John D. Hicks, of New York,
and Clement M. Biddle, of Philadelphia.
•Plans of the West Dale and Wissahickon properties were presented to the meeting,
with descriptions of their respective merits.
^The Managers for 1865-6^J
^The following friends were appointed to nominate managers for the ensuing years
(New York), Samuel Willets, Samuel J. Underhill, Daniel Underbill, Hannah Haydock,
Phoebe Bunting, and Eliza Bell; (Philadelphia). Thomas Mellor, Daniel Foulke, Wm.Parry,
Rachel Johnson Q"acksonj, Jane Jackson jjTohnsonj and Ann A. Townsend; (Baltimore) .Gerard
H. Reese, Eli Lamb, Daniel Stubbs, Martha E. Tyson, Jane
Townsend, and Rebecca
Turner.
^The subject of the proposed purchase of a property for the location of the School
or College, submitted by the Board of Managers, was,
upon consideration, referred for
decision to a stock vote of the contributors, to be conducted by the inspectors chosen
for that purpose, the voting to commence at the adjournment of this meeting, and to
continue till the opening of our next session, after which Clement M. Biddle, in behalf
187
of Philadelphia; W m . C . Biddle, in behalf of New York; and Edward Hoopes, in "behalf of
Baltimore, are appointed to receive votes until the eleventh instant, at 12 o'clock, M . ,
at which time they shall report to the Board of Managers, who are authorized to purchase
the property indicated by the vote, and have the title vested in trustees until the
charter is obtained.
The present inspectors are requested to hand the votes they may
u
receive to their successors under seal.
*Then adjoiirned till 7| o'clock this evening.
f^At the adjourned meeting, convened at
o'clock P . M .
JPThe Nominating Committee reported the following named friends to serve as Managers the ensuing year; Prom PHILAUELPHIA, W m . Dorsey, Edward Parrish, Isaac Stevens,
David J . Griscom, Joseph Powell, Edward Hoopes, Deborah F . Wharton, Helen G . Longstreth,
Harriet E. Stokely j s t o c k l y ^ , Rachel T . Jackson, Phoebe W. Foulke, and Sarah P . Flowers.
^ N E W YORK; Samuel WilletS, Samuel J . Underhill, Ellwood Burdsall, John D.Hicks,
Valentine Everit, Edward Merritt, Hannah W . Haydock, Phoebe M . Bunting, Eliza H . Bell,
Ann S. Dudley, Caroline Underhill, Lydia S . Haviland.
^BALTIMORE: Thomas H . Mathews, Benjamin Rush Roberts, Gerard H . Reese, Levi K .
Brown, Rebecca Turner, Mary L . Roberts, Martha E . Tyson, and Jane S. Townsend.
Jl - The printed report of this meeting contains the following "Supplement"!
^Report of the Inspectors,
12th Month 11th, 1863.
**To the Board of Managers of Friends' Educational Association:^The Inspectors appointed at the meetihg of Friends' Educational Association
on the 1st instant, report that there have been cast in favor of the Wissahickon
Property 427 votes, and in favor of the Westdale Property 1458 votes.
Signed, EDWARD HOOPES,
WM. CANBY BIDDLE,
CLEMENT M . BIDDLE,
Inspectors.
#For the information of the contributors the following facts are submitted:Is nearly as can be ascertained, at the meeting held 12th month 1st, there
were cast in favor of the
Wissahickon Property by
66 persona
228 votes.
Since that time by
112
•
199
"
Making in all by
178 persons
427 votes
^And on 12th month 1st, in favor of the
Westdale Property by
338 persons
987 votes.
Since that time by
170
*
471
"
Making in all by
508 persons
1458 votes.**
188
fKho were
duly elected.
* W m . D . Parrish was nominated as Clerifc, and Edith W . Atlee, as Assistant Clerk,
for the ensuing year, which was approved by the meeting, and they were accordingly
appointed^*"
On the evening of 12th. Month 1 , 1863, after the adjournment of the second session
of the Association^ annual meeting, the Board of Managers met.
members were present.
Twenty-five of its
The only business transacted was the appointment of a committee of
three (Edward Hoopes, Edward Parrish and Joseph Powell) "to prepare a draft for a Charter
and report to a meeting of the Board."
William C . Biddle was also appointed Treasurer of
the Association.
The Purchase of "West Dale", 1864
At the Board's meeting in the Race Street Meeting-houBe on 12th. Month 11,1863,
with sixteen Members present, the Association's vote on the location and the name of the
college was reported, and the Board, appointed a committee of four (Edward Hoopes, Joseph
Powell, William D . Parrish, and William Dorsey) toj^examine the title of the property
offered for sale to the Association known as the West Dale property and if no obstacles
present of sufficient importance in their judgment to defer action in the premises they are
hereby directed to purchase the same and vest in the following named persons as Trustees
for the Stockholders to be conveyed by then as hereafter directed by the Association;
Daniel Foulke, Clement Biddle, Myers Fisher Longstreth; the said trustees to make a declaration of trust to William D . Parrish, William C. Biddle, and William
Dorsey of the
purpose for which it is held by them whose dut£ it shall be to see that the trustees make
such conveyance as the Association may direct.^
At the next meeting of the Board, in Race Street Meeting-house on 3rd. Month 1 ,
1864, seventeen members being present, the committee appointed to purchase the property
at West Dale reported "a right of way across the tract which it has been decided to purchase, belonging to the adjoining property on the West." The committee recommended a
/
SirThis was the roadway which then ran across the $outh college campus to the Railroad jo
^tation from the tl^st, and which was ranoved ^outh of the Railroad.
189
hange in this right of way to a point near the line of the Rail Road, to which all
.e parties in interest that now can be communicated with, are consenting."
It also
icoramended the removal of "the northern line of the property it is proposed to purchase
.rther north, so as to embrace certain springs on the land of John Ogden.
The price of
e Southernmost portion embracing about 42 Acres to be $200. per Acre and of the remainder
longing to John Ogden $250. per Acre."
"On consideration", the Board then ^ a g r e e d to instruct the Committee to proceed
the purchase of the property as presented ih their Report, securing the additional land
d springs on the north belonging to John Ogden and also the proposed change in the right
way, as far as practicable.
If the Charter shall have been obtained when the convey-
ce is made they are directed to have it made to the Corporation without the aid
ustees.
of
They are also directed to have a topographical survey of the ground made with
ference to the location of buildings and other improvements.**
At the next meeting of the Board, in Race Street Meeting-house 5th. Month 6 , 1864,
th eighteen members present, "the Charter as obtained from the Legislature of Pennsylvanwas read"; while "the Committee to purchase the property reported that the purchase had
en made bp.t the conveyance had not been executed on account of the necessity of waiting
2V"
e action of the Court of Delaware County."
The committee was continued, with Isaac
ephens added to its membership, and the Treasurer was "directed to pay the purchase
ney agreed upon by our Committee for the property in Delaware County to the respective
ners thereof on its legal conveyance to the Corporation of Swarthmore College."
Finally, at the next meeting of the Board in Race Street Meeting-house on 12th.
nth, 5, 1864, twenty-seven taembers being present,^the following report was read and
cepted; the committee further informing that, ih conveying the property temporarily
the parties named they had acted under legal advice.
I One year earlier (March 13, 1863), The Republican, of Chester, Pa., reported the sale
to R . T . Ogden of "a 15-acre lot, near ffestdale, on the West Chester & Phila. R.R.,
belonging to Mr. Rush, for $100 per acre."
- That is, in regard to the changing of the roadway.
190
Report
*The Conimittee have purchased three tracts of land contiguous to each other in
Springfield Township, Delaware County, Pennsylvania, at West Dale station on the line
of the West Chester and Philadelphia Railroad; conveyances for all of which have been
made to Daniel Foulke, Clement Biddle and M . Fisher Longstreth appointed to receive the
title to the same*
1 Three Tracts and their Roadways I
5
^First - A tract of 26 Acres 140 TO Perches conveyed by Jajaes Markoe and Elizabeth B . Cox Trustees under the will of William M . Oamac d e c
d
for deed dated the 24th.
day of the Sixth month A.D., 1864, bounded on the north by the tract hereinafter referred
e. ^
•?
*
to as purchased from John Ogden, on the w^st by the Chester and Springfield road, on the
south by a 50 feet wide lane or Road dividing it from land of Sickles' and on the west
i
by the tract purchased from Daniel Smith Jr and next described. This tract has a front
6?
on the Chester and Springfield Road of 131 TOQ Perches, and said Road is 50 feet wide
throughout the length of the property by concession of the former owners of the land on
62
both sides. The cost of this tract was $5375 "TOO,
•^Secondly - A tract of 15 Acres & 123 Perches conveyed "by Daniel Smith Jr and
Wife by deed dated the 25th. day of the Sixth Mo. A.D. 1864 "bounded on the north "by the
tract next described purchased from John Ogden, on the east by the tract above described
purchased from Markoe & Cox, on the south by the said 50 feet wide lane or Road and on
4
the west by land belonging to the heirs of Benjamin W . Ingersoll d e c . This tract cos^*
$3153.75.
^Both the above tracts are intersected by the West Chester and Philad*. Rail Road
running nearly east and west at a distance of about 34 Perches from the southerly
boundary.
Both were purchased subject to two roads or passage-ways, one of 50 feet wide
the south line of which is the middle line of the Rail Road and the other of 25 feet in
width along the line of the tract purchased from John Ogden, and both appurtenant to the
tract "belonging to the Ingersoll heirs on the west.
The Trustees "by deeds dated the
8th. day of the 11th Month 1864 obtained a release of the interest of five (5) out of
seven of said heirs in said 25 feet Road and granted them in exchange a Road of the same
width across the above two tracts at a distance varying from 20 to 27 Perches north of
the Rail Road.
As to the remaining two sevenths of said Road one is owned by parties
residing in the Southern States who are not accessible, and the other by Alexander W .
Ingersoll who is insane.
Pour of the heirs of Benjamin W . Ingersoll have however by
agreement dated the 8th. of the 11th. Month, agreed to indemnify the owners of the two
tracts across which the Road exists against this last mentioned interest.
*0n the tract first described and south of the Rail Road there is a spring into
which the owners of the Tract secondly described\a£ the Ingersoll Tract have the right to
enter and introduce apparatus for forcing the water to the high grounds of the respective
tracts in common with the owners of the tract in which the spring exists.
"Thirdly - A Tract of 51 Acres 106.62 Perchds conveyed hy John Ogden and wife by
deed dated the 5th. day of the Seventh month A.D. 1864 bounded on the north by other
land of John Ogden,
on the east by the Chester and Springfield Road, on the south by
the tracts first and second described, and by the Ingersoll tract, and on the west by
Cram Creek.
This tract has a front on the Chester and Springfield Road of 27.45 Perches
and in the Creek of 172.6.
It cost $12,916.59.
It also contains three valuable springs
adjacent to each other with an ample supply of water and sufficient power to force it
to a suitable elevation.
4TThe parties to whom the conveyance was made have executed a Declaration of Trust
for the foregoing property dated the 12th day of the 8th Month A.D. 1864.
possession of William C. Biddle.*
«
It is in the
V,- f C ^
Such were the steps taken to untangle the skein of titles, rights of way and
trusteeships, in which the property was enmeshed; and by the Summer of 1864 the college
was given a local habitation.
Its name also had been decided upon, and a very happy name
192
it nas.
Famous in Quaker annals^from the days of George Fox and Margaret Fell, the
cradle and nursery of early Quakerism were associated with it; and as the center of
activities of the "First Publishers of Truth", it was an inspiring name for a school
of higher learning and the training of teachers. Precisely when it was suggested for
the proposed college is unknown; but it was decided upon at the first annual meeting
of the Friends' Educational Association on the 1st. of 12th. Month, 1863, and it took
the place of the Association's name in the first article of the charter which was procured a few months later.
The suggestion of the name is generally attributed to
Margaret Elgar, the wife of Benjamin Hallowell, and her eldest son gives direct testil y
mony to that fact.
Although the modern spelling of Swarthmore has been accepted in-
stead of the ancient Swarth Moor, it is curious to find a frequent error in the spelling of Swathmore perpetrated at the very beginning by the Friends themselves.
For
example, the Friends' Intelligencer for 12th. Month, 19, 1863, acknowledges the following "Erratum. - In our editorial of last week, the name of the new College was, by mistake of the printer, given 'Swathmore' instead of Swarthmore."
2l &
r
Edward Parrish, writing two years later, jtays of the selection of the site:
^ T h e selection of a location for the proposed institution called forth a zealous advocacy
of different sites, and was followed by corresponding disappointment among those whose
advocacy was unsuccessful, but the expression by a vote of a large majority of the
stodk, ftas provided by the constitution, was a final settlement of the question.
-
The property procured for the location of Swarthmore College is composed of a portion
of that known as West-Dale, from having been the birth-place of Benjamin West, with
contiguous land; it is located in Delaware County, Pennsylvania, about ten miles from
Philadelphia, with which city it connects by the West Chester and Philadelphia Railroad,
passing through the place, and furnishing a station at a convenient distance from the
building site.
It contains ninety-four acres and five perches of land, and is bounded
on one side
by the Springfield and Chester road, and on the other by Crum Creek, a
f
* *
°'
th,
^
6 4 rn
9
""TP —•
flr I
•
} i . Ill Essay on Education**
Ou *1866.-pp.49^.f
193
'winding and rapid stream.
After a thorough examination of the rural districts sur-
rounding Philadelphia, the managers were generally agreed that a more eligible location for such a purpose could scarcely be found.
The land is high, commanding an exten-
sive prospect of variegated scenery, and a distant view of the Delaware Eiver, the
ancient town of Chester, the first landing-place of William Penn in his Province, and
Media, the county town, distant one and a half miles, in which, it may be remarked, the
sale of liquor is prohibited by law, in all time to come.
There are several springs
contiguous to each other on the high ground, sufficient to furnish an abundant supply
of pure water, and water-power to pump it to the required elevation.
On the north-west
the land is covered with an abundant growth of trees, adapted to afford protection to
the grounds in winter; the wood-land is ample for shaded walks, and the banks of the stream
afford a feature of romantic beauty rarely surpassed.
The property cost $21,446.96.*
Having described the^three eligible sites, the "Circular" issued by the Board
continues as follows;\ f
( VThe Constitution of 1863
®The Constitution adoptecfat the first meeting of the Association having given
dissatisfaction to many friends, on account of the provision it contained for the election of Managers of the proposed School by a stock vote, movements were made at large
meetings of the contributors, held during the times of the late yearly meetings of Philadelphia and New York, to have the Constitution revised, so as to protect the moneyed
interests of the institution by providing for a stock vote upon any propositions affecting the purchase, sale, or disposition of the real estate, while the election of Managers
is by a majority of the members, each individual having one vote.
No charter having been
obtained, and the Association not having as yet exercised any functions of a corporate
body, the approaching meeting will be competent to adopt such a Constitution and draft
of a Charter as may meet the views of the contributors, who will accordingly be called
upon to decide upon those to be matured and submitted to then by the Board.
* T h e Corporate Title
^The name "Friends' Educational Association' having been adopted as a provisional
194
title, it is proposed that at the approaching meeting a distinctive name, to be applied
to the Institution and to the Association, should be considered of and adopted.
]
|
^Payments, etc.
)
*Those persons only who have paid an instalment on the capital stock of the Assoj ciation being entitled to vote at the elections, it is proposed that the local receivers
i
!
j should collect the instalments due upon all subscriptions as far as practicable before
5
| the time of the meeting, and furnish the Treasurer with a list of these, with their proper
)
| post-office address in time for use at the annual meeting.
for the accommodation of such
j
! as cannot conveniently make their payments sooner, the Treasurer will be in attendance,
| at the place of meeting, one hour before the time appointed.
i
*Proxy votes will be received, and individuals desiring to examine the properties
described, will be directed as to the best arrangements for visiting them by application
to either of the -undersigned.
Signed
WILLIAM D. PARRISH,
EDWARD HOOPES,
EDWARD PARRISH,
Philadelphia, 11th M o . 21st, 1863.
Committee of the Board of Managers.*
^Several Amendments to the Constitution being read and deliberately considered
were unanimously approved, and recommended for adoption to the next annual meeting.
^CONSTITUTION CONTAINING THE AMENDMENTS AS APPROVED AND RECOMMENDED FOR ADOPTION
AT THE NEXT ANNUAL MEETING
Article I.
*The members of the Association shall consist of those persons, male and female,
who shall become stockholders under an act of incorporation to be hereafter obtained.
The capital stock shall be fifty thousand dollars, which may be increased from time to
time to any sum not exceeding three hundred thousand dollars, to be divided into shares
of the value of twenty-five dollars each, transferable on the books of the Association
only with the consent of the Board of Managers.
195
Article II.
*Fhe first meetjlnjj^of the Association shall be held on the first Third-day in
the Twelfth Month, 1 8 6 2 ^ a t 3 o'clock P.M., in the 6ity of Philadelphia, and those held
thereafter at such times and places as may be designated by the Association.
clerk and assistant clerk, who shall be ex officio members of the Board of
Managers, shall be appointed at each annual meeting, who shall make and preserve regular
minutes of the proceedings, subject to the adoption of the meeting at the time.
Special
meetings of the Association shall be called by the clerks at the written request of any
twenty members.
Article III.
^ h e management of the Institution shall be under the direction of thirty-two
managers, sixteen of each sex, who shall be elected at an annual meeting, under the care
of three inspectors to be appointed at the time by the Association.
Eight of said man-
agers shall be elected for one year, eight for two years, eight for three years, and
eight for four years.
The term of service for each manager shall be decided by mutual
agreement amongst themselves, and eight managers shall be elected to serve for four years,
annually thereafter.
^They shall have power to fill any vacancy that may occur in their board.
They
shall all be stockholders and members of the Society of Friends, and an equitable proportion of them shall belong to each of the Yearly Meetings of Philadelphia, New York,
and Baltimore, and other Yearly Meetings, the members of which subscribe to the stock.
Tlie election of managers shall be by ballot and votes by proxy shall be received, each
stockholder having one vote; and a majority of votes so cast shall determine the election,
and also all other subjects voted upon. Provided that all questions affecting the purchase of real estate, or locatioh of the college, the removal of the same after location,
or the sale of the whole or any portion of the real estate, shall be decided only at a
stated or special meeting by a majority of the votes cast, each share being entitled to
one vote, and no such purchase, sale, or transfer of the real estate shall be made without
having been proposed at a stated or special meeting held at least three months previously.
196
j
/^And. further provided that no alteration to this Constitution shall be made
except at a stated meeting of the Association, by a vote in its favor either in person
or by proxy of the majority of all the stock.
Notice of any proposed change in the Con-
stitution shall be given at the Annual Meeting, and decided upon at the next annual
meeting, the said proposed change shall be placed in full upon the minutes, and each
stockholder shall be notified thereof.
^Should the Association fail to elect at any annual meeting, the managers of the
i
i previous year shall continue in office until successors are elected, and the following
1
**
1 named persons shall act as managers until others are elected:
-
Article IV
* T h e Board of Managers shall appoint their own officers and frame By-laws for
their government subject to the approval of the Association.
•*When the amount of the capital stock is subscribed and paid in, they shall provide for the purchase, erection, furnishing, and future management of the College, which
it is the object of the Association to establish.
*No contract for real estate, building, or furnishing the Institution, shall be
entered into •unless the money for the same be in the hands of the Treasurer, and they
shall at no time incur expenses in its management beyond the available resources of the
current six months.
PThey shall appoint a Treasurer of the Association who shall cdllect, receive,
and hold the funds, subject to the order of such committees or officers as they may
authorize to draw upon him, and they shall audit and settle his accounts at least twice
every year.
^They shall make full reports of their proceedings to the members at the annual
meeting of the Association, and a printed copy of their report shall be furnished to each
of the members.^
^The Corporate title not having been heretofore agreed upon, on deliberate co&I
Here weretListed the thirty-two managers chosen for 1862-63 (See i n f r a , - i 4 6 r £
197
r
sideration Swarthmore College was adoptel".^
#The Board of Managers are instructed to take the necessary measures to procure
an Act of Incorporation from the Legislature of Pennsylvania, embodying the Constitutional provisions, as approved at this meeting, and submit the same to our next annual
meeting.
#Then adjourned tb meet the first Third day in 12th month next, at 3^ o'clock
P.M.
W . D. PARRISH,
EDITH W . ATLEE,
c l o r k s
^ j t u t f
*
Semultbeo on the Charter
The question of
charter for the\sohoo^ which had been raised in the first
and second meetings of the Board, wqs brought up in a special (the third) meeting which
was held in the Friends' Meeting-house on Rutherford Place, New York, the 27th. of 5th.
Month, 1863.
This change of place was doubtless made because of the holding of the
conference in New York on that date, and also probably to accommodate the New York members of the Board; but only twenty members in all attended.
TP
The minute of this meeting
st
reads as follows: *The Committee continued in 1
Mo. last, to obtain an Act of Incor-
poration, reported: that they had made application for it to the Legislature of the State
of Pennsylvania, but so late in the season that, although it passed the House of Representatives, the Legislature adjourned before it could receive the sanction of the Senate.
The Committee was continued to prepare another draft of a charter and submit it to this
1
; Board before applying for an Act of Incorporation. *
ffhe Charter,..5th. Month 4| 1064
The question
*
n ChnrtiWi whloh had boen-rleft in abeyance by the BoardV^nee
JL*?
*
*
its meeting in New York in 5th. Month, 1863,fwas taken up again with renewed vigor^- at
-tk^jmeeting ef tho Beard on the 1st. of 12th. Month, 1863. At this time a committee of
three (Edward Hoopes, Edward Parrish and Joseph Powell) was appointed "to prepare a
^
draft for a Charter and report to a meeting of the Board."
- Cf. supra, pp. -687—t&O,
At the next meeting of the
198
SeevA on the 11th. of 12th. Month, 1863, the committee "presented a draft of a Charter
which with some alterations was approved"^ and the committee was continued^"to apply
for its sanction "by the Legislature of Pennsylvania."
At the BeogAt^meeting on 3rd.
Month 1 , 1864, "Edward Hoopes on "behalf of the Committee to secure a charter, reported
that, owing to the delay in the organization of the State Senate the Charter had not
"been procured as yet, though introduced into the House of Representatives.
Ho doubt is
entertained in regard to its passage through both branches of the Legislature."
At the
next meeting of .tho BeopA. on 5th. Month 6 , 1864, "the Charter as obtained from the Legislature of Pennsylvania was read"; and the Board reported it to the Association at the
annual meeting, 12th. Month 6, 1864.
The manuscript minutes
include the following two paragraphs which
were omitted in the printed Proceedings:
^ T h e following Report was read and accepted
Friends' Educational Association
^ T h e Board of Managers report, that, as instructed by the Association at its last Annual Meeting they have procured a charter constituting a body politic and corporate, under the corporate title of Swarthmore College.
This charter,
approved on the Fourth day of the Fifth Month 1864 was subsequently accepted by the Corporators named therein, who at a meeting held on the 20" of Fifth Month 1864 declared
as their Associates, the subscribers to Friends' Educational Association who had then
paid or should thereafter subscribe and pay to the Treasurer an instalment of Five
dollars with the intention of joining the said Corporation.
^Whereas the action has been taken under the direction of Friends' Educational
Association and its organization has all tended to the procurement & acceptance of such
a Charter^Now therefore, we recommend that the Association by vote in its present meeting should formally merge itself into the said Corporation of Swarthmore College adopting
the Amended Constitution as approved at the last Annual Meeting. A certified Copy of
isaid Charter is forwarded herewith.%
199
The printed proceedings of the annual meeting continue as follows!
4*The Charter and minutes of the corporators named in the Act were read, as
follows!
An Act to incorporate Swarthmore College.
Be It enacted by tfoe Senate and House of Representatives of the Commonwealth of
Pennsylvania jjj General Assembly met, and It is hereby exacted; That James Martin
! John M . Ogden, Ezra Mlchener, Mahlon JC. Taylor, Thomas Bldgway, James Mott, Dillwyn
j
j Parrish, William W . Longstreth, William Dorsey, Edward Hoopes, William C . Biddle,
i
; Joseph Powell, Joseph Wharton, John Sellers, Clement Biddle, P . P . Sharpies, Edward
i>
' Parrish, Levi X . Brown, H^gh Mfcllvain, Pranklin Shoemaker, and their associates and
?
successors forever b e , and they are hereby made and constituted a body politic and
corporate, under the corporate title of Swarthmore College, and under that name shall
have perpetual succession, and are hereby empowered, and made capable in lair, to
purchase, take, hold, and enjoy to them and their successors, lands, tenements, and
hereditaments, stock, goods, chattels, and effects: Provided,
the clear annual value
thereof shall not exceed thirty thousand dollars, and to sell, demise £sic J , convey,
assure, transfer
and dispose of their estate, or interest therein, and also to im»
prove and augment, and apply the same, with the rents, Issues, profits and income
thereof, to the purposes of their institution; and the said corporation, by the name
aforesaid, shall and may sue, and be sued; plead, and be impleaded; answer, and be
answered; defend, and be defended, in all courts of law and equity, and shall have
power to make, have, and use a common seal, and the same to change, alter and renew
at their pleasure, and also to make and execute such by-lairs, ordinances and regulations, not contrary to the laws and constitution of this Commonwealth, as to them
shall seem m e e t .
20 3# .
The Charter was printed in a leaflet, in 18 65, and in a pamphlet, with Its
Supplement of 1870,.in 1870. It was also printed in the friends' Intelligencer.
v s i . m , A p . 15s
James Martin, the first named incorporator of the college, died March 3 , 1866,
at the.age of seventy-eight, and is referred to, in D r . Parrish»s diary as followsj
"One of my father's oldest & best friends & Mother Hunt's guardian when an orphan
child. He will be much missed in our Meeting & among a large circle."
200
8»ctlon 2*
That the said corporation b e authorized to establish and maintain a school and
college, for the purpose of imparting to persons of both sexes, knowledge in the various
branches of science, literature, and the arts, and the board of managers shall have
power, to confer upon the graduates of the said college, and upOn others, when, "by their
proficiency in learning, they may be entitled thereto, such degrees as are conferred by
] other colleges or universities in the United States*
| Section "S* That the capital stock, of the said corporation, shall "be fifty thousand
/
j dollar^? divided into two thousand shares of twenty-five dollars each, with the privilege
f to increase the same, from time to time, to a sum not exceeding three hundred thousand
dollars, and the said school or college may go into operation when the sjna of fifty
thousand dollars has been subscribed* and the stock shall be transferable in conformity
with the rules and by-laws of the corporation.
The meetings shall be held annually,
twenty-five stockholders shall form a quorum, and special meetings may be called by the
managers at their discretion, and notice shall he given of the animal and special meetings of the corporators, at least ten days previous to the time at which they are to be
held, by advertisement in three daily newspapers, one published in the city of Hew Y o r k ,
one in the city of Philadelphia and one in the city of Baltimore? the officers of the
coxporatlon shall he two clerks, a treasurer and thirty-two managers, all of whom shall
be members of the religious society of Friends, and shall be chosen by ballot from among
the stockholders at their annual meeting; but in case of failure to elect the officers
at the stated time, those in office shall continue until others are chosen. The clerks
shall he ex-officio members of the Board of Managers, and eleven members shall constitute
a quorum for the transaction of business*
The government and direction of the said
school and college, the appointment and employment of professors, and other officers concerned therewith, and the general management of the affairs of the College, shall he entrusted to the board of managers, who shall have power to enact such rules and regulations,
not Inconsistent with the constitution, and amendments thereto, adopted by the corporators
A Supplement to the Charter, dated April l U , I87O, p e m i t t e d the capital stock to he
increased to $500,000. (See infra. A .
).
201
as they shall see f i t .
Signed,
BERRY C . JOHNSON,
Speaker of the House of Representatives,
JOHN P . PENNEY,
1
Speaker of the Senate ^
Approved the first day of April, A . D . , 1864.
A . G . Curtin, Governor.
-^MINUTES OF CORPORATORS,
a meeting of the Corporators named in the Act to incorporate Swarthmore
College, held 5th month 20th, 1S6H, in Philadelphia:
^Present eleven Corporators*
^Edward Parrish was appointed Clerk.
^ T h e act of incorporation, as approved the first day of Uth month, 1S6U, and
certified by the Secretary of the Commonwealth, was read and accepted.
•fin testimony whereof a duplicate of this minute was duly signed by all present.
#The subscribers to Friends' Educational Association who have now paid, or shall
hereafter subscribe and pay an instalment of five dollars to the Treasurer of the Association, with the intention of joining this corporation, are declared our associates;
and in any election for managers, each subscriber shall be entitled to one vote*
1
The
clerk is directed to have the necessary notice given of a general meeting of the corporation, to be held on the sixth day of the Twelfth month next, at which an election for
officers and managers shall be held*
Then adjourned.*
The Constitution, 1865
The minutes of the second annual meeting of the corporation, in December, I865 ,
record that "the Committee appointed last year to engross the Constitution produced a
copy, which was satisfactory; and the Clerks are directed to enter it upon the Minutes*"
J -
A Supplement to the Charter, dated April lkf I970, permitted the
capital stock to
be Increased to $500,000 (see
22^")
29&X-0/-J
These mimites contain a manuscript copy of the Constitution, which is as
btf-
followss
C o n s t i t u t i o n of Swarthmore College,
^Article I . - The capital stock shall he fifty thousand dollars, which may "be
increased from time to time to any sum not exceeding three huhdred thousand dollars, to
be divided into shares of the value of twenty-five dollars each, transferable on the
books o£ the Association only with the consent of the Board of Managers*
^Article I I . - The annual meeting of the Stockholders shall be held on the
first Third-day in the Twelfth month, in the city of Philadelphia. A clerk and assistant
clerk, who shall be e3&»offlclo members of the Board of Managers, shall be appointed at each
annual meeting, who shall make and preserve regular mimites of the proceedings subject to
the adoption of the meeting at the time.
Special meetings may be called by the c l e r k s ^
at the written request of _any twenty Stockholders. ,
^Article I I I . V B w - a a i
ircnmnnt rif lilin Innti tiitl nn Bhnl 1 "hn under thn flj
thirty-two managers, sixt^fcp of each sex, who shall be e^edted at an annual meeting,
er ^ e care of three inspector's^ to be appointed at/the time, s^ght of said praagers
stfall be eleo^ed for/one year, eight KQr two years/eight for three yeax|s, /efd eight for
fojur years.
"jThe term o£\serrice for each ®dn£i&er shall be d e c i d e d l y mutual agjr&gment
ng tji&iselves, and eightNaembers sij^CLl be elected to s e r v e r or four years, annually
Sanftor,—They ohall' have powgat.to fill any vauAwy-stliat ukt^ uuuux- lu Llxtjlr Doarfl*lf-~ The Charter of 1864 (with its Supplement of April 1 4 , 1S70) , the Constitution and
By-Laws were printed in a pamphlet of 12 pages, without place or date. The Charter
of 1864 and the Constitution as adopted in I865 were printed in a leaflet of 4 pages,
without place or date. On Page 4 of the latter, there appears in the foot-notet"At
the same meeting Q l 2 t h . Month 5,1865 J the capital stock was increased to $200,000, and
, the Board of Managers then elected authorized to issjie certificates of stock to that
amount." When the Supplement to the Charter permitted the increase of the capital
stock to $500,000 (See infra. Al»
) , the stockholders at their seventh annual meeting (12th. Month 6 , I870) authorized the Board to issue certificates of stock to that
amount*
ay nha"!,! a],-] >e nt.nrMUblflprn rm^ TnTnHrg "f th? ^ii'Tivty
n
J
Trl t ^ n, ti r- -tfil I "11
tion of them shall belong to each of the X^arly^Meetings of Philadelphia, B&LtinJpre,
New \ o r k , and other Yearly Meetings, the cambers of which subscribe to th©/stock.
The election of Managers shall tie by ballot, a M votes by proam/shall be reV
ved, each Stockholder having one vote^/and a majority of Votes so cast/shall determine
h|B election, arid, also all other subjects voted u p o n .
"Provided, that all questions affecting the purchase ^f refcL estate, or loca^on of the College,^he removal of the same after location, or t l W s a l e of the whole or
ny portion of the realNesta^e, shall be decided only at a stated/o^ special meeting, by
majority of the votes osst, each share being entitled to one v6te; Nand no such purchas^,
ale or transfer of the real\estate shall be made without haviag been proposed at a
tated or special meeting held\at least three months previous
"And further provided^, that no alteration in this Constitution shall be made
xcept at a stated meeting of the Stockholders by a vote in its favor, either in person
r by proay«/of the majority of all the stock.
"Notice of any proposed change, in the Constitution shall be given at the annual
eetin^/and decided upon at the next annual\meeting; tfye said proposed change shall be
lacejf in full upon the minutes, and each Stc&diolder/shall be notified thereof.
\
"Should the Stockholders fail to e l e c \ a ^ any annual meeting, the managers df
» preriouo year shall continue lit ufflce imlll-jjudcessors aro olooted*
^Article I V . — The Board of Managers shall appoint their own officers, and
rame by-latfs for their govenment, subject to the approval of the Stockholders.
4*When the amount of capital stock is subscribed and paid in, they shall proide for the purchase, erection, furnishing, and future management of the College.
^HIo contract for real estate, building, or furnishing the institution shall
e entered into unless the money for the same be in the hands of the Treasurer, and they
hall at no time incur expenses in its management beyond the available resources of the
uxrent six months.
I-WThe Treasurer of the College shall collect, receive, and hold the funds, subject to the order of such committees or officers as they may authorize to dfaw upon him,
and they shall audit and settle his accounts at least twice every year.
<*They shall make full reports of their proceedings to the members at the annual
meeting of the Stockholders, and a printed copy of their report shall be furnished to
each of the m e m b e r s . ^
TjU^M^A^L
/ ft 7
G
Tfte Supplement to the Charter of 1864, granted on April 14, 1870 (which per2P
mitted Article I of the Constitution to be modified), is as follows: * k Supplement to
'An Act to incorporate Swarthmore College,' authorizing an increase of Capital Stock.
^Section 1 .
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the
Commonwealth of Pennsylvania in General Assembly met, and it is hereby enacted by the
authority of the same: That the Board of Managers shall consist of thirty-two Managers,
who shall choose a President and Secretary from their own number, and said officers
shall affix the corporate seal and attest all documents as may be directed by the Board
of Managers.
^Section 2 .
That the capital stock of said corporation may be increased so as
to amount in the whole to five hundred thousand dollars, and the said Managers may borfow money on bonds, to be secured by mortgage on the real estate of the corporation to
trustees for the bond-holders, to an amount not exceeding one hundred thousand dollars,
^Section 3.
That women, single or married, may be members^^f said corporation
and Managers thereof.
B . B . STlCANG,
Speaker of the House of Representatives.
CHARLES H . STINSON,
Speaker of the Senate.
^Approved the fourteenth day of April, Anno Domini one thousand eight hundred
and seventy.
JOHN W . GEARY j^Governor^j
89B1->C I -pj
Office of Secretary of the Commonwealth,
Harrisburg, April 30, A . D . 1870
Pennsylvania, ss:
do hereby certify, That the foregoing and annexed is a full,
(
SEAL)
true, and correct copy of the original Act of the General Assembly,
entitled "A supplement to 'An act to incorporate Swarthmore
College,' authorizing an increase of capital s t o c k , ^ a s the same remains on file in this
Office.
^ I n testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and caused the Seal of
the Secretary's Office to be affixed, the day and year above written.
J . M . WEAKLY,
Deputy Secretary of the Commonwealth.*
The Seal, 5th. Month 12, 1865
The committee on the charter had also been authorized, at the meeting of
8
1st. Month 13, 1863, "to obtain a design for a seal ; and at the meeting of 5th. Month
6, 1864, it reported "attention" to the duty, and was directed to have a seal "suitably
engraved for the use of the corporation."
Seven months later (12th. Month 5, 1864),
the committee reported that it had not yet completed the seal, and the subject was referred to the incoming Board of Managers.
This Board at its meeting on 12th. Month 6,
1864, appointed Edward Hoopes, Isaac Stephens and Joseph Powell a committee on finance,
and instructed them "to procure a Seal and assist the Treasurer in the issue of Certificates of Stock: said Certificates to be sealed, and signed by the Treasurer and attested
by the Clerk."
Finally, at the Board's meeting on the 12th. of 5th. Month, 1865, "the
Finance Committee reported that they have procured a seal, an impression of which was
exhibited to the Board, and are prepared to issue Certificates of Stock."
The Curriculum, etc.
Meanwhile, during 1863-64, the Board worked upon various aspects of their
task other than the procuring of a charter and the purchase of a site. At its meeting
in Bace Street Meeting-house on the 11th. of 12th. Month, 1863, it appointed a committee
JSCW
of thirteen "to take into consideration the whole subject of the character of the proposed school or College, to visit Institutions of learning and obtain information which
might aid the Board of Managers in carrying into effect the object of their appointment."
This important committee's thirteen members were: Rachel T . Jackson, Edward Parrish,
Phebe W . Foulke, William Dorsey, Helen 0 . Longstreth^ David J . Oriscon and Harriet E .
Stockly, of Philadelphia, John D. Hicks and Hannah W. Haydock, of Hew York, and Gerard
H . Reese, Benjamin Rush Roberts, Jane S. Townsend, and Martha E , Tyson, of Baltimore.
Three months after its appointment, the committee presented to the Board at its
next meeting on 3rd. Month 1 , 1864, a report "on the organization of the School, &c.,
»eting-
.™.„rt
—
—
objects
brought into view by the report of the Committee on the organization of the School, &c.,
were furthered, discussed.
The number of pupils provided for at the commencement, it
was agreed, should be Three hundred, but that the collecting and lecture rooms should
accommodate at least Pour hundred, and the general plan should be such as to be extended
as occasion may require and should be adapted to secure the classification of the students
into separate groups having something like the family relation.
It was agreed that it
should be an object to combine completeness and economy as far as practicable throughout
the School, and that any restrictions upon the pupils in the matter of dress should have
reference to obviating unfavorable distinctions among them.
The branches to be taught
and the qualifications for admission to the preparatory department were much discussed
and referred with other details in regard to the buildings, their estimated cost
be further reported on by the Committee.
to
They are continued and Joseph Powell and Edward
Hoopes (both members of the Board from Philadelphia! added to their number.*
A correspondent who signed himself G , and was probably David J . Griscon, supplemented the meagre minutes of the Board by a brief article contributed to the IntelligeneBr
for 3rd. Month 12, 186^.^ This article was entitled "Swarthmore College", and was as
foliawsjIiVlt is well known that those who are most interested in the proposed School or
College are constantly ipet by the query, Why are you so slow in your movements?
you not inform us as to the kind of school you propose to establish?
sion, etc.?
Why do
terms of admis-
The answer has been, and, to a great extent must continue to be, These
points have not yet been determined, neither can they b e , until it is ascertained how
far the members of the Society of Friends are willing to extend aid and encouragement to
the work.
is, however, gratifying to learn that at the meeting of the Board of Managers,
on the first of this month, several important questions were presented for consideration
by the committee upon organization, appointed in Twelfth month last.
^Among these was the proposition to ascertain the prohable expense of a central
building, to comprise within its walls all the rooms needful for scholastic purposes,
including cabinets for collections in Natural History, library, laboratory for chemical
manipulations, lecture rooms, etc.; said besides this school building which could not well
be enlarged with the increased demand of such an institution, to ascertain also the cost
of smaller ones for boarding, lodging, etc.
#It was suggested that the grouping of the students into separate families might
be introduced as a feature in the discipline and culture out of school, and that by the
erection of these several smaller buildings this view might be carried out, and from time
to time, as the necessities of the institution may demand, the number of these be increased.
^ H o w to make this desirable feature accord with the necessary economy in the
cooking and eating arrangements was a question necessarily referred for future consideration, when the Managers shall have availed themselves of the judgment of experienced
teachers and architects.
was recommended that it would be well to provide as early as practicable for
fr - vol. -e^/fe. 10.
s r
r
"
~ ~
the laying out of the grounds, with trees in considerable variety and for a garden of
classified plants with reference to botanical instruction.
*The wants of the Collegiate and Preparatory department were separately considered, but no definite plan in connection with the course of studies to be pursued in
each was decided upon.
^ I t is obvious that in order to establish this Institution successfully (even
with a strict observance of economy) a larger sum of money will be required than has
yet been subscribed.
*Those already interested in this undertaking feel the want of a greater number
of active workers, especially from among the younger classes, and they ask of these such
an interest as will induce them to do their part in their different neighborhoods, by
presenting to their friends the necessity of a greater appreciation of the cause of
education, and the claims which this Institution makes upon them.
*In addition to this, they desire that every one may feel a confidence that the
religious concern which prompted the origin of this organized body, will preserve the
1
present, and any future Board of Managers in faithfulness to the trust committed to them. '*
l^Tassa^ Female College", which was coming into being at the same time as Swarthmore, was evidently one of the "Institutions of learning" very much in the minds of
Swarthmore's founders^ An editorial notice of it in the Intelligencer at this time
(3rd. Month 19, 1864)
reported t h a t ^ t h e trustees of this munificent enterprise met at
Poughkeepsie, on the 23rd ult., The founder read a paper, giving his views as to the
elevation of Woman, and he hoped that, in the selection of the faculty of the college,
'no distinction should be made on account of sex, where the candidates possess equal
qualifications.'
It was voted that the Executive Committee exert themselves to prepare
the building for the opening on the 14th of 9th m o . next. Liberal appropriations were
nade for the purchase of apparatus, etc."*
_
j
The site of the new college having been decided upon, and its general plan
fr ml ntt '
having been nnfcHngrir jgi
l 17 mil iifrpTlniii il' next step was to arrange for the necessary
•buildings. At its meeting on 5th. Month 6 , 1864, "the Committee on organization made a
report exhibiting plans of building &c; after much interesting discussion they were
continued"; and later in the same meeting, a committee of five (Gerard H . Reese and
Thomas H . Matthews, of Baltimore, Edward Hoopes and Edward Parrish, of Philadelphia, and
John D . Hicks, of New York) was appointed "to consider and report on the best plans for
the College buildings in accordance with the general features agreed upon by this Board."
-his meeting, like its predecessors, and all the Philadelphia conferences, had
been held in the Race Street Meeting-house; but even before the titles to the Westdale
fields had been duly acquired on June 24 and 25 and July 5, 1864, it was decided to
begin to introduce the new purchase to Friends generally.
The first Friendly organiza-
tion that appears to have met on Swarthmore's fair campus was the Friends' Social Lyceum
of Philadelphia, which had filled a prominent place for several years in the intellectual
life of Philadelphia Quakerdom.
£1
The Friends' Intelligencer for 7th. Month 2 , 1864,
gives the following account of the occasion: 'The Lyceum held a meeting on the property
recently purchased for Swarthmore College, on 3rd day, 21st ultimo.
Invitations were
extended to Friends in different sections, and as the day proved auspicious, about 300
persons were in attendance.
Philadelphia city, Delaware, Chester, Montgomery, Bucks and
Lancaster counties, in Pennsylvania, were represented, and a number of our friends from
the adjoining States of Delaware and New Jersey also attended.
It was a pleasant fea-
ture of the occasion that the company was composed of old and young, all of whom participated in the pleasurable feelings inspired by the occasion.
Groups of Friends from
the various sections embraced the opportunity to exchange friendly greetings, and distributed themselves over the extensive grounds; some climbing the hills and rocky prominences, and others strolling along the valley, through which the lively stream, known
as Crum Creek, finds its way to the Delaware - while numbers of children amused themselves
with balls, skipping ropes, and other appliances, which had been generously provided by
one of the members.
^ o s t of the visitors had furnished themselves with refreshments, and about
12 o'clock groups were formed for the repast, which was generally spread upon the
ground, and a Friend in the neighborhood kindly furnished an abundance of pure milk.
3S
After being thus refreshed, the company collected in the woods,
j prepared for the occasion.
to hear the exercises
Seats had been arranged, and when all were comfortably acco-
mmodated, T . Clarkson Taylor, of Wilmington, was called upon to preside,
^ h e order of exercises was as follows:1.
Salutatory Address, by J . 3 . Hunt, M.D.
2.
Poem, written for the occasion, by Ann Preston, M.D.
3.
Lecture on the Influence of cell-tissue on animal and vegetable life,
by T . C. Taylor.
4.
Defence of (Quakerism, a poem, by Jacob M . Ellis.
5.
Where was the first Friends' Meeting organized in Pennsylvania?
which is
the oldest Monthly Meeting now existing in America, and which the largest
in the world?
by Ezra Michener, M.D.
6.
Elocutionary Reading, by Esther J . Trimble.
7.
The Tomb of Moses, a poem, by William H . Seaman.
8.
Remarks, by Edward Parrish.
9.
Is the theory of Professor Espy, in regard to the production of rain^ by
combustion, sustained by facts?
by Thomas Walter
10. Recitation, by Charles A . Dixon.
11. Did William Penn occupy the house at 2d St. and Norris' Alley?
give its
history, and also of the dwelling in Letitia Court, by T . Clarkson Clothier.
12. A Poem, by Susanna M . Parrish, written for the occasion, read by M . A .
Fulton.
j
)
After the conclusion of the exercises, the company again dispersed in pursuit
This may have been approximately the site of the Magill Outdoor Auditorium.
of enjoyment and recreation, and toward evening returned to their homes by public and
private conveyance5. We think all who were present will acknowledge that the day was
both pleasantly and profitably spent
The "Poem by Susanna M . Parrish, written for the occasion, read by M . A . Pulton",
was naturally inspired by thoughts of the Civil War still raging, and of the new
Quaker College just beginning.
1
It was published in full in the Intelligencer. and the
following stanzas give its lesson and flavor:
j
*Ohl what a thought that while we're blest
With this fair scene around;
The blood of brothers and of sons
Is crimsoning the groundl
ViWV**While here blest spirits might look down,
#
And smile approving smiles,
There, demon eyes might gloat to see
Their own destructive wiles. - - - - f Ohl
ye whose office 'tis to train
The early steps of youth,
And lead them in the pleasant paths
Of knowledge and of truth — — '
& Ohl let these times renew your zeal,
And with new purpose warm,
To shed the brilliant light of truth
Upon war's demon form.
^ T e l l them it has stalked down to u s ,
From a far distant age,
When man untamed and barbarous.
Let his fierce passions rage.
2
T
D
8
d
Q
r
t
^ ~ I l l ^ K ^ e same ocdsfon" , were°also Srfnlec^fr' the inte^llgencer toSi^ sl^ pp? 28§^ ,
'
300, 316), but were of a mire general character*.
1JM^^
; -/
|
rf^And
}
as ye show gigantic bones,
Hid in the sand-stone red,
|
i
'
Marking an era of our earth,
Unfit for human tread;
i «fc Tell them, as wondering and aghast,
i
They turn them from the view.
That war, the Mastodon, one day
i
Will mark an era tool
t
^ A n d let us build a temple here,
Sacred to peace and love;
The warlike eagle must not be
Its emblem, but the dove.
•f* We may not found a Prophet' s School,
But we may plan for one,
When the rapt prophet's dream of peace
May haply be begun.
Where knowledge shall not handmaid be
To falsehood, but to truth;
And all that's pure and beautiful,
I
Shall form the mind of youth
t
The Board and the Corporation j
fit.*-
Friendly interest in the new institution and a vision of its possible usefulness
were evidently growing.
By this time, too, the contributions to the stock of the college
were amounting to encouraging sums, despite the "hard times" at the end of the Civil
War and the very large financial, educational and other interest taken "by the Friends
in the newly enfranchised "freedmen."
The minutes of the Board at its meeting on
12th. Month 5, 1864, reveal that "by reports from the several local Receivers we are
informed that the subscriptions in Philadelphia Yearly Meeting amount to about Fifty
five thousand dollars, in New York to about Thirty two thousand dollars, in Baltimore
to about Six thousand dollars, which with interest accumulated amounts to about Ninetyfour thousand dollars."
At this meeting [^*the Committee on plans for the College buildings made a
report exhibiting plans and partial estimates , which claimed the attention of the Board.
I The Board was united in the conclusion to recommend £to the Corporation^the construction of buildings somewhat similar to those proposed, including a centre college building and at least two of those adapted to dwelling purposes so soon as the funds collected
will allow; and to look toward the rapid increase of the fund for its completion.*'
The Corporation's annual meeting had been announced in the Intelligencer for
LfO
11th. Month 26, 1864,
to be held in Race Street Meeting-house on "Third day the 6th of
Twelfth Month, 1864, at 3 o'clock P.M."
Edward Parrish, Clerk, signed this notice,
which stated also that the officers for the ensuing year would be elected at the meeting,
and that "by direction of the Corporators named in the charter, the subscribers to
Friends' Educational Association who have paid an instalment of five dollars, with the
intention of joining this Corporation, are constituted members of it, and all such are
invited to attend the meeting."
In preparation for this meeting, the Board at its meeting on 12th. Month 5,1864,
appointed a committee of seven (John D . Hicks, Edward Merritt, Benjamin Rush Roberts,
Isaac Stephens, Harriet E . Stockly, Hannah W . Haydock and Edward Parrish) "to framja
report to the Corporation."
The next morning, this committee presented to the Board "a
Report to be presented to the Corporators this afternoon, which was read, approved and
directed to be forwarded."
0 - V o l . ^ . A p . 600.
The
New
Corporation
The official minutes of this, the last Annual Meeting of Friends' Educational
Lssociation and the first Annual Meeting of the Corporation of Swarthmore College, into
?hich the Association merged, were printed in a 4-page leaflet, and read as follows:
=*At a Meeting of Friends' Educational Association held 12th month
6th, 1864, at Bace Street Meeting-House, Philadelphia:
P r e s e n t numerous members from within the limits of New York, Baltimore,and
'hiladelphia Yearly Meetings.
*The Meeting was informed of the death of our valued Friend, William D . Parrish,
!lerk of the Association.
^Edward parrish was appointed to serve as Clerk until an election should be
.eld.* ^ „ .. _
TOua^M-irynftog
ftf
TTHgnHgt
TjVWTi f i n n n l
fl ,
Ull.lllllt* unfltiinj., Tinn n m h nm , 1 Pft<1,
^•n-Lliiim u.b folluwm:
^After deliberate consideration, the said charter was, by vote, unanimously
pproved, and Friends' Educational Association is hereby declared to be merged into the
orporation of Swarthmore College, conveying to said corporation all its rights and inerests.
Our local receivers and Treasurer are directed to pay over to the Treasurer
o be elected under the charter, all monies on hand, or that they may receive; and
aniel Foulke, Clement Biddle, and M . Fisher Longstreth are directed to convey the propery held by them, to said corporation, when the Board of Managers shall request said coneyance.
^ T h e Constitution, with the amendments acs approved and recommended at the last
nnual meeting, was now read, and, by vote, unanimously adopted.
4%-.en adjourned."
*At a meeting of the stockholders of Swarthmore College, held at the adjournment
f the meeting, as above, according to due notice given at least ten days previously in
-
The original manuscript minutes, which begin with this meeting, are preserved in a
minute-book containing the minutes of twenty-one annual meetings from 12th. Month 6 .
1864, to 12th. Month 2 , 1884.
/
- )
one paper published in each of the cities of New York, Philadelphia and Baltimore:
ballot for clerks being ordered, Samuel J . Underhill, B . Rush Roberts and
Joseph Powell were appointed Inspectors of Election, who reported that Edward Parrish
and Edith W . Atlee were duly elected.
/The Constitution of Friends' Educational Association, as far as it accords with
the charter, was by vote unanimously adopted to govern this corporation.
To engross the
Mm constitution with such changes as may be required to adapt it to the corporation,
and report next year, William C. Biddle, Samuel Willets, Edward Hoopes, and B . Rush
Roberts were appointed.
**£o nominate a Treasurer and thirty-two managers for the ensuing
-'a -
This Constitution, adopted in 1865, is given infra, p p . •835
8 8 ^
^lTJ
^
-iti"
/ iJr.
yj?,.
John D . H i c k s , Samuel W i l l e t s , P h e h e M . B u n t i n g , M a r y H a v i l a n d , from N e w Y o r k ; J o s e p h
M . T r u m a n , J r . , Joseph C . T u r n p e n n y , L y d i a A n n S t e p h e n s , A n n e S h o e m a k e r , a n d M a h l o n
K . T a y l o r , from P h i l a d e l p h i a ; B . R u s h R o b e r t s , Gerard H . R e e s e , R e b e c c a T u r n e r , a n d
Martha E . T y s o n , from B a l t i m o r e , w e r e a p p o i n t e d .
"^"The following Report w a s read a n d a c c e p t e d :
•^REPORT OF THE B O A R D O F MANAGERS TO T H E CORPORATORS OF SWARTHMORE
COLLEGE
& T h e charter for Swarthmore College h a v i n g b e e n obtained from the L e g i s l a t u r e
of the State of P e n n s y l v a n i a , a proved b y the G o v e r n o r , a n d a c c e p t e d b y the corporators
named t h e r e i n , "Friends' E d u c a t i o n a l A s s o c i a t i o n " m e r g e s into the "Corporation of
S
Swarthmore College", w h i c h a s s u m e s all the r i g h t s , t i t l e ^ , and p r i v i l e g e s p e r t a i n i n g
to a c o r p o r a t i o n .
To carry this into e f f e c t , w e recommend that the B o a r d of Managers
about to b e elected b e instructed to issue the requisite certificates of stock, a n d to
collect the u n p a i d instalments as fast a.s they b e c o m e d u e .
• * B y reports from the receivers a p p o i n t e d b y Friends in Philadelphia., New Y o r k ,
and B a l t i m o r e , it appears that a b o u t $94,000 h a s n o w b e e n subscribed to the s t o c k , of
which a b o u t $75,000 has b e e n p a i d in to the several r e c e i v e r s .
W e regret that a larger
amount of subscriptions have not b e e n o b t a i n e d d u r i n g the p a s t y e a r .
This m a y p a r t l y
be a t t r i b u t e d to the general desire a m o n g F r i e n d s to see a m o r e definite p l a n of the
p r o p o s e d Institution; a n d the a t t e n t i o n of the B o a r d has been turned towards m a t u r i n g
such a p l a n .
fz-The result of the vote o r d e r e d at the last a n n u a l m e e t i n g , to determine the
location of the C o l l e g e , was soon after r e p o r t e d to the B o a r d a n d embodied in the p u b lished m i n u t e s , of w h i c h a copy w a s sent by m a i l to each s t o c k h o l d e r , as far a s practicable.
The decision of the stockholders to direct the purchase of the West-Dale
property has b e e n carried o u t , a n d the tract p u r c h a s e d , consisting of 94 a c r e s a n d 50
p e r c h e s , i n Springfield t o w n s h i p , D e l a w a r e c o u n t y , P a . , at West Dale s t a t i o n , on the
Westchester R a i l r o a d , a n d fronting on the Springfield a n d Chester road; distant a b o u t
ten m i l e s from P h i l a d e l p h i a .
The whole p r o p e r t y cost twenty-one t h o u s a n d , four h u n d r e d
a n d forty-five d o l l a r s , ninety-six cents ( $ 2 1 , 4 4 5 . 9 5 ) , a n d has b e e n conveyed to D a n i e l
F o u l k e , Clement B i d d l e , a n d M . Fisher L o n g s t r e t h , who w e r e a p p o i n t e d to receive the
oroperty on our b e h a l f , j f a j j ^
^
greatly enhanced p r i c e of m a t e r i a l a n d labor h a s p r e v e n t e d u s from
proceeding at once w i t h the requisite b u i l d i n g s .
O n the other h a n d , the u r g e n c y of
some who h a v e calculated w i t h confidence u p o n s e n d i n g children to this I n s t i t u t i o n ,
prompts u s not to postpone l o n g e r than n e c e s s a r y the commencement of this important
undertaking.
W i t h a v i e w , t h e r e f o r e , to m e e t this w a n t o ' p a r e n t s , and encourage fur-
ther interest in the concern, we h a v e concluded to r e c o m m e n d the erection of a centre
College b u i l d i n g , and two d w e l l i n g s , one on each s i d e , somewhat in accordance w i t h the
plans p r e s e n t e d , as soon as the funds subscribed w i l l warrant the e x p e n d i t u r e .
probable cost of these will not be less than $ 1 0 0 , 0 0 0 .
The
The remaining b u i l d i n g s , w h i c h
will be essential to the a c c o m m o d a t i o n of a sufficient number of p u p i l s to m a k e the Institution self-sustaining at a m o d e r a t e c h a r g e , to b e erected w i t h funds hereafter
obtained.
^ " U p o n the numerous subjects w h i c h naturally a r i s e in regard to the i n s t i t u t i o n ,
the grade of attainment required for a d m i s s i o n , the branches to b e t a u g h t , & c . , as far
as we h a v e p r o g r e s s e d , our conclusions h a v e b e e n u n i t e d a n d s a t i s f a c t o r y .
The object
with w h i c h we set o u t , to a f f o r d facilities "for p u r s u i n g a liberal and a n extensive
course of study to such as desire to do s o , equal to that of the best institutions of
learning in our country," has been kept steadily in v i e w ; a n d a l t h o u g h it m a y not b e
possible to carry this out at o n c e , the effort should n o t b e relaxed until the object
is a t t a i n e d .
A t the same t i m e , it is important to m e e t , to some e x t e n t , the great
demand w h i c h exists for a school of somewhat lower g r a d e , a f f o r d i n g less advanced educational f a c i l i t i e s , n e e d e d by ma ry who h a v e c o n t r i b u t e d , and m a y yet contribute to
v?-the stock.
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We therefore propose the o p e n i n g , a s early as p r a c t i c a b l e , of the pre-
liminary d e p a r t m e n t , in w h i c h p u p i l s m a y he p r e p a r e d for the collegiate course by the
time the necessary buildings are read;/, a n d the properly qualified teachers
selected.
In the organization of the collegiate a n d normal d e p a r t m e n t , it h a s been our
object to combine completeness a n a economy; the n u m b e r of teachers and p r o f e s s o r s , the
branches to be t a u g h t , a n d the arrangements to facilitate instruction in e a c h , h a v e
claimed separate and serious c o n s i d e r a t i o n , a n d r e s u l t e d in the p l a n s p r e s e n t e d , a s
far as they can be determined in a d v a n c e .
« W i t h a view to the p r o s e c u t i o n of investigations in Chemistry and n a t u r a l
H i s t o r y , a practical l a b o r a t o r y , m i c r o s c o p e , a n d a collection of m i n e r a l s a n d other
natural objects are designed; also a garden of c l a s s i f i e d p l a n t s , w i t h special reference to b o t a n i c a l s t u d i e s .
The laying out of the grounds w i t h ornamental trees in
considerable v a r i e t y , each jjroperly l a b e l l e d , is recommended to the early a t t e n t i o n of
the new B o a r d of M a n a g e r s .
c(
In the plan of i n s t r u c t i o n , M a t h e m a t i c s , the C l a s s i c s , some of the M o d e r n
L a n g u a g e s , English L i t e r a t u r e , H i s t o r y a n d R h e t o r i c , D r a w i n g , a n d Ornamental P e n m a n s h i p
will necessarily he included, a n d , when our funds will a l l o w , a Telescope should b e
provided for the special u s e of the a d v a n c e d c l a s s , a n d for the b e n e f i t of all the
students and t e a c h e r s . .
The extent to which the various departments of learning can be a l l o t t e d to
separate Professors a n d subordinate t e a c h e r s , must depend u p o n the number of pupils
and the means p l a c e d at the disposal of the B o a r d .
It is thought that a classifica-
tion of the students into g r o u p s , h a v i n g something, like the family r e l a t i o n , s h o u l d , if
p o s s i b l e , be introduced as a fea.ture in the discipline a n d culture of the students,
both in a n d out of s c h o o l , and in our p l a n s we h a v e endeavored to m a k e this desirable
feature accord w i t h the necessary economy in p r o v i d i n g and cooking for the whole n u m b e r
By p l a c i n g over each separate h o u s e h o l d a sixitable m a t r o n , u n d e r w h o s e superintendence
the p u p i l s of h o t h sexes n n y , at p r o p e r h o u r s , daily s i n g l e , it is b e l i e v e d that the
influence of each over the other would be iiost s a l u t a r y , and that m a n y of the disadvantages of boarding-school l i f e regretted by p a r e n t s g e n e r a l l y , w i l l b e o b v i a t e d .
In conclusion, the B o a r d would earnestly p r e s s u p o n the Corporators a n d
Friends g e n e r a l l y the great importance of the w o r k in w h i c h we are e n g a g e d .
The large
stun a l r e a d y s u b s c r i b e d , the a l m o s t u n i v e r s a l favor w i t h w h i c h the object is regarded
by the w i s e and good of our H e l i g i o u s S o c i e t y , a n d the excellence of the location now
secured, a n d paid f o r , a n d , a b o v e a l l , the u n i t y w h i c h h a s p r e v a i l e d in our c o u n s e l s ,
give p r o m i s e of u l t i m a t e
success.
A l l that is needed is a n earnest a n d persistent effort to raise the necessary
means; a n d , w i t h the b l e s s i n g of P r o v i d e n c e , w e b e l i e v e a great a n d beneficent w p r k
•afcmay b e a c c o m p l i s h e d , for the g o o d of our children a n d children's
^The
children.
plans s u b m i t t e d , ^ w i t h a m a p of the grounds as p u r c h a s e d for the location
of the C o l l e g e , were directed to b e p u b l i s h e d for circulation a m o n g the s t o c k h o l d e r s .
^ T h e subject of a u n i t e d effort to increase the subscription to the capital
stock, b e i n g before the m e e t i n g , fifteen of those p r e s e n t duplicated their previous
subscriptions, one F r i e n d triplicated h i s s u b s c r i p t i o n , one subscribed for twenty
shares, one for f i v e , a n d one for e i g h t , in all 114 s h a r e s , in a d d i t i o n to previous
subscriptions.
^ I n f o r m a t i o n w a s received of some p r o s p e c t i v e
subscriptions.
^ S i x Friends offered subscriptions of one thousand, dollars each (40 shares)
on condition of one h u n d r e d new subscriptions being o b t a i n e d for a like a m o u n t . '
Biddle w a s nominated for T r e a s u r e r .
A b a l l o t was o r d e r e d .
Daniel U n d e r b i l l , for U e w Y o r k , Clement M . B i d d l e , for P h i l a d e l p h i a , a n d
Dillwyn P a r r i s h , for B a l t i m o r e , were a p p o i n t e d Inspectors of E l e c t i o n .
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^ T h e Insjjectors reported in w r i t i n g that W i l l i a m C . Biddle h a d heen dulyelected T r e a s u r e r of the C o r p o r a t i o n , and the following
BOARD OF MANAGERS.
0
s
- - -
T h e n adjourned to meet on the first T h i r d - d a y in the 12th m o n t h , 1 8 6 5 .
EDWARD PARRISH,
EDITH W . A T L E E
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Clerks.
^ : In v i e w of the long time necessarily consumed in p h o t o g r a p h i n g the plans in sufficient n u m b e r s , it has been concluded to issue the p r e s e n t Circular without
them.
Those desiring copies will p l e a s e address Samuel W i l l e t s , N e w Y o r k ; Gerard H . R e e s e ,
B a l t i m o r e , or one of the C l e r k s , P h i l a d e l p h i a ; enclosing stamps for n o s t a g e , if to
be sent b y m a i l .
_
A p h o t o g r a p h of the "Plan of the Swarthmore College p r o p e r t y in S p r i n g f i e l d , Dela
a w a r e C o . , p e n n s '" is a t t a c h e d to the p r i n t e d copy (a 4 - p a g e l e a f l e t ) of the m i n utes of this meeting now in the Friends Historical L i b r a r y at the C o l l e g e .
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The new B o a r d of Managers elected by the Corporation for 1864-65 included
Hugh Mc Ilvain, Clement Biddle a n d Letitia S . C a d w a l l a d e r , instead of E d w a r d P a r r i s h ,
David J . Griscom and Sarah p . F l o w e r s , of P h i l a d e l p h i a ; J o h n G . H a v i l a n d , instead of
V a l e n t i n e E v e r e t t , of Hew York; and Susan H . J o n e s , instead of M a r t h a E . T y s o n , of
Baltimore.
David J . G r i s c o m , whose h e a l t h h a d been gradually declining for a d e c a d e ,
withdrew from the Boar^l w h i c h , on h i s death a few m o n t h s l a t e r , a d o n t e d a m i n u t e of
Si
appreciation of h i s devoted labors in behalf of the c o l l e g e .
M a r t h a Tyson had b e e n
a m e m b e r of the Board for 1862 - 63 and 1863 - 64; but h e r own a n d h e r h u s b a n d ' s declining health caused the loss h e n c e f o r t h of h e r a c t i v e , but by no m e a n s her sympathetic
and i n d i r e c t , a i d to the college of h e r d r e a m s .
Benjamin and Mar aret E . Hallowell
had also b e e n members of the first b o a r d in 1862-63; bat they too w i t h d r e w at the end
of that y e a r from official connection with the c o l l e g e , and one w e e k b e f o r e the Corporation's m e e t i n g on the 5th of 1 2 t h . M o n t h , 1 8 6 4 , they suffered a severe loss in the
death of their daughter Mary Hallowell B r o o k e , the y o u n g w i f e of W i l l i a m S . B r o o k e , w h o
died in-her twenty-fifth y e a r . _
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Edward P a r r i s h , who had b e e n a member of the B o a r d in 1362-63 and 1 3 6 3 - 6 4 ,
was not reelected for 1 3 6 4 - 6 5 , but w a s nevertheless a p p o i n t e d b y it one of its two
clerks, a n d on 5 t h . M o n t h 1 3 , 1 3 6 5 , w a s elected the first p r e s i d e n t of the c o l l e g e .
A s one of the two clerks of the S o a r
, and as one of the two clerks of the C o r p o r a t i o n ,
h e was considered ex officio a m e m b e r of the B o a r d ; but it m a y h a v e been w i t h a. view
to electing him to the presidency that he was not formally re-elected in 1864 a.
member of the Board, u p o n w h i c h the choice of a p r e s i d e n t w o u l d d e v o l v e .
The m i n u t e s of the B o a r d ' s meeting for 5 t h . M o n t h 1 2 , 1 8 6 5 , g i v e the following simple account of the election of the n e w p r e s i d e n t
ft*
-proposition b e i n g introduced to appoint a Friend a s P r e s i d e n t of the College w h o s e duty it shall b e to l o o k
n
- M i n u t e s , 5 t h . l.lonth 1 2 , 1 3 6 5 7
-2 ... -igfacro wore present at this m e e t i n g 19 of the SB munbcru*
vfc;*^
2Sr ^ t $
toward the organization of its several departments; the selection of T e a c h e r s , and
the creation and p r o m o t i o n of an increased interest in the concern l e a d i h g to larger
subscriptions to the s t o c k .
•^On m a t u r e deliberation it w a s u n i t e d w i t h a n d referred to the following
Committee: Samuel W i l l e t t s , R a c h e l T . J a c k s o n , Isaac S t e p h e n s , Gerard H . R e e s e , Jane
Townsend, Edward Hoopes.
fter a recess Samuel W i l l e t t s , on behalf of the C o m m i t t e e , reported t h a t ,
they all m e t a n d w e r e u n a n i m o u s in p r e s e n t i n g for consideration of the Board the name
of E d w a r d P a r r i s h for p r e s i d e n t , w i t h a. salarv of Two thousand d o l l a r s , and travelling
S I
e x p e n s e s , w i t h w h i c h full a n d entire u n i t y w a s e x p r e s s e d , by every m e m b e r p r e s e n t , and•
tie appointed to the O f f i c e .
4*The T r e a s u r e r is directed to p a y the same in quarterly
T r u l y , this w a s the day of small (material) t h i n g s .
instalments."
B u t it is noteworthy
that the same arduous tasks of o r g a n i z a t i o n , faculty s e l e c t i o n , a n d financial support
were exacted then as now of the college p r e s i d e n t .
T h i s essential step in the develop-
ment of the college doubtless caused a great deal of comment in F r i e n d l y circles;
b u t , strangely e n o u g h , there is no reference to it in the F r i e n d s ' I n t e l l i g e n c e r , - not
f f
even in a r e p o r t , on 6 t h . M o n t h 3 , 1 8 6 5 ,
of the conference on the college h e l d in
P h i l a d e l p h i a at the time of Yearly M e e t i n g a fortnight b e f o r e .
A h a l f - y e a r l a t e r , the
Report of the Board submitted to the A n n u a l M e e t i n g of S t o c k h o l d e r s , held on 1 2 t h .
Month 5 , 1 3 6 5 , contained the following reference to the new p r e s i d e n t a n d to the new
f S
plan for increasing subscriptions to the stock: ^ " I n view of the v a r i e d a n d increasing
duties of raising the m e a n s for the completion a n d f u r n i s h i n g of the b u i l d i n g , and also
of organizing the several departments of the school a n d c o l l e g e , searching out the most
suitable t e a c h e r s , p r o f e s s o r s , a n d other o f f i c e r s , a n d embodying in p r a c t i c a b l e shape the
There were present at this m e e t i n g 1? of the 32 m e m b e r s .
VoMtWr, y . 2 0 0 . Edward p a r r i s h h a d b e e n prominently connected w i t h the editing of the
Intelligencer for some y e a r s , a n d this may b e a p a r t i a l though inadequate explanation of
its r e t i c e n c e .
Jrtgnth8*--IntPl11^PTiCfiJ, V o l . gr?t r .
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'
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p l a n s and idea.s of those who have "been concerned, for its e s t a b l i s h m e n t , the B o a r d h a s
found it necessary to l o o k toward the apoointment of a P r e s i d e n t of the C o l l e g e .
Upon m a t u r e d e l i b e r a t i o n , w e h a v e conferred this a p p o i n t m e n t u p o n E d w a r d P g r r i s h , a.
Friend, who was early led into this concern from a sense of d u t y , a n d w h o , we b e l i e v e ,
has a c c e p t e d the position w i t h a just idea of its importance and r e s p o n s i b i l i t y , a n d
an earnest determination to devote his energies to its p r o s e c u t i o n .
He has p r e p a r e d
and p u b l i s h e d a small volume entitled, 'Education in the Society of F r i e n d s , P a s t ,
present, and Prospective,'
w h i c h is devoted to an exposition of the general subject
of education in our S o c i e t y , and of the plans and objects of our c o r p o r a t i o n .
It is
adapted to create an interest a m o n g those w i t h w h o m it w o u l d be impossible to obtain
satisfactory interviews, and if widely circulated and followed u p b y the right k i n d
of personal effort, w i l l , r e confidently h o p e , lead to largely increased
subscriptions'?*
Edward P a r r i s h ' s ' E d u c a t i o n in the Society of Friends**had been advertised
7
i
in the Intelligencer for 1 0 t h . M o n t h 7 , 1 8 6 5 , as follows:
"JUST P U B L I S H E D . -
Education in the Society of F r i e n d s , - P a s t . P r e s e n t , and P r o s p e c t i v e .
By Edward
p a r r i s h . - This little volume is p u b l i s h e d by J . B . Lippincott & C o . . P h i l a d e l p h i a ,
and sold, retail, at 60 cents a c o p y , or m a i l e d , p o s t a g e p a i d , a t 70 c e n t s .
It m a y
also be obtained by a d d r e s s i n g the p u b l i s h e r of F r i e n d s ' I n t e l l i g e n c e r . 3t 923."
f%
In the same n u m b e r of the Intelligencer,' it received an editorial review,
containing long quotations and the few following comments: ^ T h e v a r i o u s topics treated
of in this neat little volume should interest every m e m b e r of the Society of F r i e n d s .
^ T h e A u t h o r reviews the state of e d u c a t i o n a m o n g Friends from the rise of
the Society to the present time, a n d concludes w i t h a synopsis of the objects and p l a n s
of the corporation w h i c h h a s g r o w n out of F r i e n d s ' E d u c a t i o n a l A s s o c i a t i o n .
^ T h e claims w h i c h oxxr y o u t h have u p o n u s , a.na our duty toward t h e m , are
earnestly and ably p o r t r a y e d , a n d w e hope the w o r k will enlist the a t t e n t i o n w h i c h the
importance of the subject d e m a n d s . - - ~
Ibid, f . 4 9 6 . "
~ '
~
Ibid f . 4 8 3 - I t was p u b l i s h e d b y J . B . L i p p i n c o t t & C o . , 76 pages.plus an A p p e n d i x of
4 p a g e s containing "An A c t to incorporate S w a r t h m o r e College" a n d a list of the Managers for 1 8 6 4 - 6 5 .
commend the hook to the notice of F r i e n d s , a n d hope they will p u r c h a s e ,
I
* read and circulate it in their respective neighborhoods
A f t e r the laying of the corner-stone of the first college building (which
was later called Parrish H a l l ) , on the 1 0 t h . of 5 t h . M o n t h , 1 3 6 6 , Edward P a r r i s h
added to his •^Essay on E d u c a t i o n ^ an account of the Proceedings on that occasion.
This
account comprised 23 p a g e s , thus expanding the * E s s a y * from 76 to 99 p a g e s , and a
second edition of the b o o k was published in 1866 by J . B . Lippincott & C o .
The
frontispiece gives an exterior view of P a r r i s h Hall as the architects proposed to
complete it^
a.nd four pages (between the first and second parts of the ***Essay*j
are devoted to the interior plans and description of the buildings three stories a n d
"attics"
Y ^
— 1
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r ^ J U ^ t
How m u c h the first president of Swarthmore College was indebted for his
f *
views of h i g h e r education among Friends to its^founders, Martha Tyson and Benjamin
Hallowell, lias been foreshadowed in their *j^dressgS%f" 1 3 5 3 , 1354 and 136^.^"" During
the summer and autumn of 1365, a l s o , when the question of the prime object and basis
of the college was being hammered out among m a n y Friends of many m i n d s , Martha Tyson
and Benjamin Hallowell contributed their counsels through the columns of the Intelligencer.
&2>
The former, over the familiar initial of T_ , wrote an article of four columns,
in which she took up again her favorite thesis that a liberal education\waar essential
to the spread of early Q u a k e r i s m ^
Quaker w o r t h i e s ^
substantiating it by m a n y references to early .
and that if Swarthmore College could supply such an education it
would be of inestimable benefit to the present and future usefulness of Quakerism.
Three months l a t e r ,
Benjamin Hallowell contributed an article commending
Martha T y s o n ' s , and endeavoring to answer a feeling which was evidently prevalent
among Friends that a liberal education was actually deleterious to the spiritual
% i
Infra, k .
C 2 - Infra,
<»o - V o l . S B n P P . 342 -If3 (8th M o n t h 5 , 1 8 6 5 ) .
6 4 - I b i d , F p . 550 - i i (11th. Month 4 , 1 8 6 5 ) .
/ J W • %/
'
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SB.- PARRISH'S
Q.UALIFIOATIOligr
?
J
(After referring to his home in the c o l l e g e , president P a r r i s h
I
continues:
feel humbled when I reflect that I h a v e had so large a share in the greet w o r k of
building this c o l l e g e , and that I am here-: at its b e a d w i t h the concurrence o f all
its m a n a g e r s & p a t r o n s . - M y short experience thus far ^ b o u t two m o n t h s ] indicates
that I am called to the p o s i t i o n & fitted for it by N a t u r e & b y p r e v i o u s p u r s u i t s .
In such learning a s a full college course gives I a m d e f i c i e n t , b u t I have h a d m o r e
experience in public affairs & in business than most scholars or scientists could
by their pursuits a t t a i n .
A n a this experience g i v e s m e facility in d e a l i n g with
«
m a n a g e r s , committees & the public & fits me to a d m i n i s t e r the v a r i e d & complex a f f a i r s
^
which lie outside the range of t e a c h i n g . - Then I h a v e facility in teaching by
l e c t u r e s , which is the kind of instruction most difficult to obtain in filling u p the
requirements of such a c o l l e g e . -
I have m o r e o v e r a n intense sympathy w i t h young
^ ^
people & feel that I can appreciate their w a n t s & overlook the deviations from proriety incident to their time of l i f e . - Frank & Lizzieybeing in thi school - Frank
es the head of the College Class - I h a v e an a d d i t i o n a l tie b i n d i n g m e to i t . - At-
A
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sm
D r . Parrish's own statement in regard to his election as the first president
of the college was written at the beginning of his "Private Notes & Memoranda" under
date of 1" Mo 1.186S as follows: W T h e most important event in my history during the
past year was election to Presidency of Swarthmore College in embryo. Salary $2000.
This entails a great deal of work & responsibility.
I must raise $100,000 in 1866
i
without if or but.
I must also oost myself up in every requirement."
r.A^tx.
a
A t the time this note was written, Edward and^Ife.rgaretypa.rrish^and their five
children had left their former home on Tenth Street, in Philadelphia, and were boarding
at No. 1015 Cherry Street.
Of this place, D r . Parrish wrote, under the same date: " ^ W e
are boarding - a great change - in some respects an improvement, less care for wife &
self - We have 4 rooms at 1015 Cherry - are well accommodated - Sarah Antrim as kind
as could be - keeps a clean & comfortable house.
Giving up our house in 10" St,
caused by the owner wanting it, seemed a hardship but is not now regretted - Our
furniture stored - We have a few other boarders in the house chiefest among then Dr
Thomas, a very learned man especially in
languages
& general literature, a most
instructive companion - I think he has a sincere friendship for m e , I know I have for
him - His society is of immense value to a man of my position & pursuits."^
The fellow-boarder thus affectionately and admiringlyXmffitioned was Dr.
Joseph Thomas, whom President Parrish mentions several more times in his Notes, and whom
he was to recommend to the board as one of the first professors in the new college.
Dr. Thomas's connection with Swarthmore was not to begin, however, until eight years
later; and meanwhile, under date of 5/l/l866, D r . Parrish records the following disappointment: "In the University of Pennsylvania an important election for Prof of English Literature - My friend D r . Thomas was the candidate on whom man}' of us had centered
(j - These "Private Notes & Memoranda" are written in Dr. Parrish's own hand on 46 pages
of a blank-book, which came into the possession of his son Clemmons and then into
that of its present owner, Clemmons' son Henry Clay Parrish, of the Class of 1895
in Swarthmore College. The Notes begin with January 1 , 1866, and the last of them
is dated January 14, 1872.
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our hopes.
We are disappointed.
C . Ji Stilled is elected.
for our excellent friend & are sadly disappointed."
We did all we could
1
[ ^ a * ^
•. ( P o - u ^
D r . Parrish notes that the amount of board-money paid for the seven members
of his family was "$65 a week, washing extra", and he comments upon this as follows:
«
fllTen years ago I should have thought such an outlay out of the question.
cheaper than housekeeping."
It is probably
With a salary from the college of only $2,000, and with
board costing $3,380, it is evident that his income from other sources had to meet
fully one-half of his yearly expenses.
Of his business affairs he writes on January
I 1, 1366:7ipBusiness [his drug business at 800 Arch Street, Philadelphia^ for the year
not yet summed u p .
It has been good, perhaps the best year yet.
in the College of Pharmacy ever convened - near 140 students.
succeeded the war.
unteer.
The largest class
General prosperity has
I have ceased editing the Druggists' Circular except as a vol-
Parrish & Mellor have made something during the last 6 months.
Rittenhouse, our third partner, has proved very efficient.
|of the capital
Henry N .
I agree to draw nothing
till the end of our term of partnership.
f Eggs of Pharoah's
Serpents^ a new chemical toy consisting of Sulpho-Cyanide of Mercury has had an immense
sale during the past 4 weeks - We have made about 150 gross, sold at an aggregate of
$3500>
D r . Parrish records in his diary under date of 1 Mo 1.1867: ^ P a r r i s h &
j Mellor dissolved by limitation.
The new firm is Mellor & Rittenhouse.
I came out
with less than $500, having invested some fixtures and apparatus toward a start & given
a good deal of time & some valuable recipes & other information.
We made a mistake in
\ investing pretty largely in Roots &c during the War, but none of them advanced, most
i
\ of them went down in price involving a loss of perhaps $1,000 to $1*500.**
Dr. and Mrs. Parrish's five children, all of whom lived with them at that
time, were Tom, who was in the office of Charles Hallowell, a broker; Clem (with us at
C } - P r o f e s s o r Still£ later became Provost of the University.
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800 Arch Street"); Ed and Frank, both at Caleb Hallowell's school, - "a capital
school" ("a lovely boy is Frank", his father writes; and a year later: "Frank, a noble
boy - he talks like a man and is yet a frolicsome boy of 12"); and Lizzie, "a dear
little school girl - a great pet" (and a year later: "Lizzie is better in health than
formerly, a wonderfully maturing child- She has added skating to her accomplishments").
D r . Parrish's activities during the first year of his presidency, in the
Winter of 1865-66, included^tesides Swarthmore, Friends' Social Lyceum, the Freedmen's
Association & Monthly Meeting business.
Most of the other concerns are out of the
question - The college jof Pharmacy^ lectures occupy 2"& 6" day evenings.
We have a
meeting at our meeting house twice a month on 4" day evening, to read the Discipline &
discuss its principles and policy.
They have proved quite interesting & instructive.
I hope I have improved during the past year - grown in faith, an element I have lacked
Have read Hedge's Reason in Religion with profit.'**
Towards the end of April (the 23rd) he writes
have formed a little
Naturalist Club, Lydia Gillingham, Anne & Sallie Cooper, Dr J 5 Hunt & wife, the
Kanes, Hillborns ejt id omne genus.
Until we move to the country I expect to attend
its weekly meetings & if practicable some of its excursions.
Spring has burst
forth gloriously the past week - In fact the past 4 days may be said to have witnessed a complete clothing of the trees with green."^
%
I I
d e v e l o p m e n t of m e n a n d to the s p i r i t u a l w o r s h i p a n d m i n i s t r y f o r w h i c h (Quakerism
stood.
H i s plea, w a s summed u p in the f o l l o w i n g p a r a g r a p h s : t
is n o t p r e t e n d e d that
i n t e l l e c t u a l c u l t u r e is e s s e n t i a l to the c l e a r e s t s p i r i t u a l e n l i g h t e n m e n t , or to
the g r e a t e s t d e v e l o p m e n t of the s o u l .
'God b r e a t h e d into m a n the b r e a t h of l i f e , a n d
I h e b e c a m e a l i v i n g s o u l : ' a n d w i t h this soul h e c o n d e s c e n d s , in h i s i n f i n i t e l o v e a n d
m e r c y , to h o l d i m m e d i a t e c o m m u n i o n , h e a r i n g its cries a n d p r a y e r s , a n d i m p a r t i n g to it
a clear k n o w l e d g e of h i s w i l l , a n d w h a t e v e r h e w o u l d h a v e it to k n o w , w i t h a b i l i t y to
p e r f o r m a l l h i s r e q u i r e m e n t s , b e i n g thus to it b o t h w i s d o m a n d -power.
He
communicates
S
w i t h the soul b y the l a n g u a g e of i m p r e s s i o n ; that i s , h e irapresse^ u p o n it a n unm i s t a k a b l e c o n s c i o u s n e s s or k n o w l e d g e of w h a t h e w o u l d impart to i t . . .
^ B u t in this w o r l d , for w i s e and g o o d p u r p o s e s , no d o u b t , w e a r e p l a c e d ih
a r e l a t i o n not only to G o d , b u t to our fellow c r e a t u r e s ; a n d , in h o l d i n g
w i t h t h e s e , a d i f f e r e n t l a n g u a g e is n e e d e d .
communication
As the c h i l d of God is taught of hiqi,and
e n d o w e d w i t h c a p a c i t y to h o l d c o m m u n i o n w i t h h i m in s p i r i t u a l l a n g u a g e , so the children of m e n m u s t b e taught of m e n , , in o r d e r that they may, b e able to c o m m u n i c a t e w i t h
one a n o t h e r , b y a l a n g u a g e
mutualMunderstood.^
A g a i n , just b e f o r e the S t o c k h o l d e r s ' m e e t i n g in 1 2 t h . M o n t h , 1 B 6 5 , B e n j a m i n
H a l l o w e l l w r o t e a l e t t e r to " o n e of the editors" o f the I n t e l l i g e n c e r , ^ w h o w a s p r o b a b l y
E d w a r d P a r r i s h , a n d who p u b l i s h e d
it in the e d i t i o n o f that p a p e r f o r 1 2 t h . M o n t h 3 0 ,
45"
1865.
T h e h e a r t of this l e t t e r is c o n t a i n e d i n t h e f o l l o w i n g p a r a g r a p h s , w h i c h so
well e x p r e s s the d e e p r e l i g i o u s c o n c e r n w i t h w h i c h B e n j a m i n H a l l o w e l l v i e w e d the n e w
ed
I coll eg e:fP S a n d y S p r i n g , M d . , 1 1 t h m o . 2 7 t h , 1 8 6 5 .
^jsteemjj F r i e n d - In th: k i n d l e t t e r
thou d e s i r e d m e to e x p r e s s m y v i e w s in r e g a r d to the e d u c a t i o n s ! e s t a b l i s h m e n t
which
F r i e n d s p r o p o s e to erect f o r the c h i l d r e n of o u r b r a n c h of the S o c i e t y , w h i c h I w i l l
cheerfully d o .
•^This subject o r i g i n a t e d u n d e r a r e l i g i o u s c o n c e r n .
p p > g 7 9 _ 3Q|>
I M A >
S e e i n g in m o s t of o u r
JBfr X )
^
| institutions of l e a r n i n g how p r o m i n e n t l y the intellectual faculties w e r e u r g e d into
development, frequently to the detriment of the p h y s i c a l system, and. to the great and
hurtful neglect of the m o r a l and religious elements in our y o u t h , a deep religious
concern a r o s e to found a.n institution u n d e r the care of F r i e n d s , in w h i c h the intellectual, p h y s i c a l , m o r a l and religious faculties should all he h e a l t h i l y and simultaneously d e v e l o p e d , and in w h i c h the children should receive p a s s i n g instruction in the fundamental principles and testimonies of o a r religious Society
.
^ I n the p r o s e c u t i o n of so great a n u n d e r t a k i n g ' s Swarthmore C o l l e g e ^ , some
differences of opinion may reasonably be expected to e x i s t , considering the large
number of dissimilar standpoints a n d various m e n t a l training of those interested in
the c o n c e r n , in regard to the best m o d e of a t t a i n i n g these o b j e c t s .
Some w i l l natur-
ally p r e f e r one locality for the I n s t i t u t i o n , some another; some one k i n d and size of
b u i l d i n g , some another; one may h a v e a b i a s in f a v o r of chief regard b e i n g paid
to intellectual c u l t u r e , in belief of-the m a x i m , 'that the m i n d m a k e s the m a n ; ' a n o t h e r
to p h y s i c a l training, from its influence u p o n the h e a l t h of the children; a n d another to
moral a n d religious development a n d the improvement of the h e a r t , as m o r e immediately
connected with their eternal i n t e r e s t s .
Bftt, u n d e r the controlling influence of
Divine e n l i g h t e n m e n t , in which it is believed the concern originated and is continued,
a desire must obtain to do .just what is right and b e s t , a n d the different views entertained w i l l b e the m e a n s of h a v i n g all these points duly r e g a r d e d , a n d fee result w i l l
b e , w i t h the
common e n d .
Divine b l e s s i n g , a h a r m o n i o u s cooperation of a l l for. the attainment of one
A m o n g so large a number as are a c t i v e l y concerned in this interesting w o r k ,
all the opinions of each one cannot be embodied in any p l a n .
try how m a n y of his p e c u l i a r views h e can give u p , s o that
E v e r y one m u s t , therefore,
the object b e a t t a i n e d .
I
am free to say that p a r t of the p r o c e e d i n g s h a v e called for a sacrifice of some notions
I had e n t e r t a i n e d , but a s they did not a f f e c t the ma.in o b j e c t , I m a d e it cheerfully; a n d ,
I may
a d d , there is reaSon to b e l i e v e that the p l a n s adopted are m o r e in accordance
•
3*
with the w^nts of Friends
p r e s e n t , the first and m a i n thing is to p r o c u r e m e a n s for erecting
the requisite buildin s , and g e t t i n g the Institution ready to "begin o p e r a t i o n s .
With
this end in v i e w , although I had p r e v i o u s l y subscribed as liberally as I thought
my circumstances would p e r m i t , I thought it right, at the recent m e e t i n g in B a l t i m o r e ,
to double m y
subscription.
/ T h e w a n t of such a n Institution as it is p r o p o s e d to establish
exists
<3
throughout the length and b r e a t h of our b r a n c h of S o c i e t y .
~
A
confessedly
If this want could
only be r-roportionally f e l t , the great object could b e speedily a c c o m p l i s h e d .
A s pre-
viously remarked, the subject originated in a religious concern; and to secure success
we m u s t sincerely implore the Divine a i d , enlightenment a n d b l e s s i n g in all our exertions to carry it o n .
U n d e r siich f e e l i n g , a n d w i t h the v i g i l a n c e , c o n d e s c e n s i o n , a n d
earnestness of effort for what is right a n d b e s t , w h i c h such feelings w i l l induce, the
noble enterprise m u s t certainly go successfully f o r w a r d .
My d e s i r e is tl®t F r i e n d s
m a y be induced to labor, as w i t h shoulder to s h o u l d e r , for the a c c o m p l i s h m e n t of the
great a n d noble p u r p o s e , craving the b l e s s i n g s of P r o v i d e n c e ® n our efforts, '
He in H i s goodness and m e r c y m a y enlighten the u n d e r s t a n d i n g s of' those who have the
practical management particularly in c h a r g e , so as to cause the w o r k to p r o g r e s s , a n d b e
brought to a conclusion in a way that will be of most benefit to our beloved
Society,
and bring honor and glory to His great a n d h o l y n a m e .
T h y sincere F r i e n d ,
Sr-T.
, ,,
BEMJAMI1I H A L L O W E L L *
o^cjuo.
Throughout thS year 1 8 5 5 - 6 6 , the " E x e c u t i v e Committee of Friends for promoting subscriptions to Swarthmore C o l l e g e " , as it continued to call i t s e l f , held its
regular m o n t h l y and quarterly m e e t i n g s .
The notices of these were signed by "Jos M .
T r u m a n , J r . , C l e r k " , a n d inserted in the I n t e l l i g e n c e r ;
a n d "the m e m b e r s from differ-
ent p a r t s of the (PhiladelphiaI Y e a r l y Meeting" w e r e "desired to report what progress has
^ t-
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73
— »
1 3 8
•
202
» —J 4 8 9 7 5 5 2 , 697, 324.
jjgffj*^
m
made."
The c o n f e r e n c e - m e t h o d , a l s o , of increasing interest a n d capital w a s c o n t i n u e d .
At the time of P h i l a d e l p h i a Yearly M e e t i n g ( 5 t h . M o n t h 1 6 , 1 8 5 5 ) , the A n n u a l Conference
was h e l d , and the Intelligencer gave the f o l l o w i n g editorial notice of it: "^Swarthmore
| Collei - A conference was h e l d on T h i r d - d a y evening of Y e a r l y M e e t i n g w e e k , to h e a r
: the report of the Committee a p p o i n t e d at a similar conference last y e a r , to p r o m o t e
:
subscriptions to the stock of Swarthmore C o l l e g e .
T h e a t t e n d a n c e w a s l a r g e , and m u c h
interest w a s felt a n d expressed in the cause of education a m o n g u s .
<*The report exhibited less p r o g r e s s in the subscription than h a d been anticipated, which w a s shown to b e partly due to the a b s e n c e of active efforts during the
, exciting times through w h i c h w e h a v e recently p a s s e d .
T h e restoration of p e a c e , unr-
accompanied b y any great r e v u l s i o n in the b u s i n e s s w o r l d , w a s thought w o u l d open the
way for a renewal of the effort to o b t a i n a general d u p l i c a t i o n of the stock, a n d
additional s u b s c r i p t i o n s , as far as p o s s i b l e , from those who h a v e h e r e t o f o r e failed to
take an interest in i t .
^ T h e west wing of the projected b u i l d i n g w i l l be commenced the p r e s e n t s e a s o n ,
and it is the design of the Board of M a n a g e r s to u s e the funds as fast as economy a n d
prudence will a l l o w , in e r e c t i n g , f i r s t , the p r e p a r a t o r y d e p a r t m e n t , a n d then the n o r m a l
and collegiate.*"
The "Report of the E x e c u t i v e Committee of F r i e n d s of P h i l a d e l p h i a Y e a r l y Meeting for P r o m o t i n g Subscriptions to Swarthmore C o l l e g e " , w h i c h w a s p r e s e n t e d to this
A n n u a l C o n f e r e n c e , wa.s p r i n t e d in a leaflet of four pages^J^It w a s -in p a r t as follows:
; ^ T h e Executive Committee R e p o r t , that they have met m o n t h l y during the p a s t y e a r .
Most
of the m e e t i n g s h a v e b e e n p r e t t y w e l l a t t e n d e d , showing a continued interest in the
cause of e d u c a t i o n .
Throughout v a r i o u s sections of the Yearly M e e t i n g , the number of
additional subscriptions o b t a i n e d , h a s , h o w e v e r , b e e n far short of our h o p e s and
expectations.
C o n f e r e n c e s have "been held at M a k e f i e l d , F i s h i n g C r e e k , C a i n , L i t t l e Creek
in the State of D e l a w a r e , a n d at W e s t C h e s t e r , all of w h i c h were a t t e n d e d b y m e m b e r s
ofjthis C o m m i t t e e .
A t W e s t C h e s t e r , w h e r e the m o s t recent of these Conferences w a s h e l d ,
an increased, interest was m a n i f e s t e d , a n d a general duplication of Stock p r e v i o u s l y
subscribed, besides some additional
subscriptions.
•^The excising events of the p a s t few m o n t h s h a v e p r e v e n t e d an a c t i v e prosecution of the concern, but now that p e a c e is b e i n g restored in our c o u n t r y , unaccompanied by any great revulsion in the b u s i n e s s w o r l d , it is b e l i e v e d that a fresh
effort m i g h t b e profitably raa.ae, to o b t a i n a general duplication of stock from those
who h a v e p r e v i o u s l y c o n t r i b u t e d , with subscriptions from as many a.s p o s s i b l e of those
Friends who h a v e h e r e t o f o r e declined to take a n interest in i t .
is p r o p o s e d to commence a p o r t i o n of the buildings the present
season;
these w i l l , h o w e v e r , constitute but a small p a r t of those p r o j e c t e d , a n d in compliance
with the wise provisions of the C o n s t i t u t i o n , the w o r k must cease as soon as the funds
in hand are e x h a u s t e d .
•^The p r o m p t p a y m e n t of subscriptions already m a d e , is u r g e d u p o n Friends as
a duty equally incumbent w i t h any other p e c u n i a r y o b l i g a t i o n .
The delay of some, on the
-round that the funds could not be u s e d to a d v a n t a g e u n t i l the b u i l d i n g s should b e comm e n c e d , will now no l o n g e r a v a i l .
•^.Tliile o u r efforts have b e e n m u c h restricted d u r i n g the p a s t y e a r , w e h a v e
been encouraged b y u n s o l i c i t e d sunscriptions from the y o u n g , some of w h o m , impressed
with the value of educational advantages,have v o l u n t a r i l y c o n t r i b u t e ^ t h e i r m i t e to
forward w h a t they justly esteem an important m o v e m e n t for the b e n e f i t of the p r e s e n t and
of future generations in the Society of F r i e n d s .
m u s t b e a d m i t t e d , that this feeling is not appreciated by some to w h o m
much is g i v e n , and of whom m u c h will b e r e q u i r e d ; b u t in t h i s , a s in all h u m a n e e f f o r t s ,
the burden m u s t fall u p o n those who a s s u m e it from a sense o f ( j j u t y ; these should
J35~—- 2
£
%
| p e r s e v e r e , a n d their efforts cannot fail to he to their o w n a d v a n t a g e and that of
i others. — —
'
(
Signed on behalf of the C o m m i t t e e ,
{
JOS. M . TRUMAN, JR., Clerk.
!
j P h i l a d e l p h i a , 5th m o . 1 2 , 1 8 6 5 .
_
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„
f
Cmtym^A&jU-.
Kia\Certificates of S t o c k of Swarthmore ^Colleger will b e issvied to those
subscribers who have p a i d their instalments in f u l l , on application to the Treasurer^
W I L L I A M CANST B I D D L E ,
N o . 131 M a r k e t S t . , Philada."
A t Genesee Y e a r l y M e e t i n g , in 6 t h . M o n t h , 1 8 6 5 , "a conference was held to prom o t e the interest of E d u c a t i o n , w h i c h w a s a t t e n d e d by F r i e n d s from P h i l a d e l p h i a . M u c h
unity a n d sympathy w e r e felt a n d e x p r e s s e d , and some Friend.s -oresent h a n d e d in their
names for subscriptions towards the establishment of S w a r t h m o r e ^ College."
N e w Y o r k Y e a r l y M e e t i n g , h e l d in 6 t h . M o n t h , 1 8 6 5 , dismissed the subject of
E d u c a t i o n , b u t was primarily interested in "the disposition
of the m o n e y
(mentioned
i n the report of the Committee to settle w i t h T r e a s u r e r ) received from the sales
of land in our p o s s e s s i o n , formerly b e l o n g i n g to Priends* B o a r d i n g School at Nine
P a r t n e r s , a n d the n e e d of a B o a r d i n g School in o u r o w n Yearly M e e t i n g , w h i c h resulted
„ 11
in a o D O i n t i n g a Committee to take the w h o l e subject u n d e r c o n s i d e r a t i o n , a n d to reoort
next year."
A t Indiana Yearly M e e t i n g , a l s o , h e l d in R i c h m o n d , in 1 0 t h . M o n t h , 1 8 6 5 , a
7q
conference was held a n d reported b y a correspondent to the Intelligencer a s follows:
\ ffOn Fourth-day a f t e r n o o n , a Conference w a s h e l d on the subject of E d u c a t i o n .
It w a s
I
j attended by nearly a l l the friends p r e s e n t at the Y e a r l y M e e t i n g , and by some o t h e r s ,
i and was a deeply interesting o p p o r t u n i t y .
M a n y testimonies were b o r n e in relation to
l the great neglect on the part of the Society to supply suitable m e a n s of education for
\
- A correspondent, who a t t e n d e d the m e e t i n g , in the I n t e l l i g e n c e r , VoF.~'ig, »r . 2 6 4 .
>1 J! - •VaJ^-DS,
Volt 2 D , 'rP .. 3Ga»
~
~
X*/»'
504,
J ^ ^ - ^ f :
-
OI^J
-PP Tr.—cuii
Tt*") rj Onut.
35 - 4\ its m e m b e r s , and the sorrowful results of this n e g l e c t p o i n t e d o u t .
The w a n t of support
i
; rendered to F r i e n d s ' Schools w h e n e s t a b l i s h e d , furnished evidence of lukewarraness w h i c h
has grown u p a m o n g a p e o p l e who w e r e formerly to a great extent the educators of their
neighborhoods.
**Much interest was expressed in the a c c o u n t s given by some Friends from P h i l a d e l p h i a , of the movement in the m o r e eastern States to revive the s u b j e c t , a n d to establish Swarthmore College f o r the education of T e a c h e r s , a n d the m o r e general d i f f u s i o n
of intellectual culture a m o n g F r i e n d s .
Some p r e s e n t desired to be identified with
this m o v e m e n t by subscribing to the s t o c k , a n d it is h o p e d that the subscription
w i t h i n the limits of Indiana Y e a r l y M e e t i n g will entitle F r i e n d s there to a representation in the B o a r d of M a n a g e r s * *
That this c o n f e r e n c e , like the o t h e r s , h a d its subscription-book in evidence
is shown b y the following notice w h i c h came immediately after the above account: "We
h a v e b e e n requested to give information that s subscription b o o k for Swarthmore College
h a s b e e n left at the store of Jesse W i l s o n , Stratton's c o r n e r , R i c h m o n d , Indiana."
The report of the E o a r d of M a n a g e r s in 1 2 t h . M o n t h , 1 8 6 5 , r e f e r r e d appreciatively to the conferences h e l d at G e n e s e e a n d R i c h m o n d , but explained as follows
1L
the recent change from the conference-method to p r e s i d e n t i a l resyjonsibility:^The hold/
ing of conferences in F r i e n d s ' n e i g h b o r h o o d s , w h i c h w a s the m o s t efficient m e a n s a d o p t e d
i
in the early history of the concern for spreading an interest a n d obtaining
j
;
ts
subscription^
has not b e e n c a r r i e d on during the p a s t y e a r ; but friends are d e s i r e d to obtain a
\ hearing for our P r e s i d e n t , who will h o l d h i m s e l f in readiness to m e e t such engagements
at almost any time n a m e d , and several F r i e n d s in P h i l a d e l p h i a a r e g e n e r a l l y w i l l i n g to
accompany him.**
—
}
t
A s a v a r i a t i o n of the c o n f e r e n c e - m e t h o d , it was decided to repeat in J u n e ,
1 8 6 5 , the\"^4re«rc* of the F r i e n d s ' Social L y c e u m on Swarthmore»s g r o u n d s .
I -
L
iH>•
The following
96--
5
^
M
i j f
11
p r e l i m i n a r y notice a p p e a r e d in the I n t e l l i g e n c e r for 6 t h . M o n t h 3 , 1865: ^ F r i e n d s '
j Social L y c e u m .
The m e m b e r s of F r i e n d s ' Social L y c e u m , (meeting at R a c e Street M e e t i n g -
H o u s e , P h i l a d e l p h i a , ) p r o p o s e to h a v e a second 'Reunion of F r i e n d s ' on the grounds
b e l o n g i n g to Swarthmore C o l l e g e , at W e s t d a l e S t a t i o n , on the W e s t c h e s t e r a n d Philadelphia R a i l r o a d , on the 10th of 6th m o n t h , 1 8 6 5 .
If the w e a t h e r p r o v e u n f a v o r a b l e ,
it will be deferred u n t i l the Seventh-day f o l l o w i n g , (17th^.
^ A general invitation is extended, to F r i e n d s in the city a n d c o u n t r y .
* T h o s e attending w i l l b r i n g their own p r o v i s i o n .
^ T h e r e w i l l be literary exercises at 10 o ' c l o c k , A . M . , and 2 P . M .
* T h e cars leave 31st a n d M a r k e t S t s . , W e s t P h i l a d e l p h i a , a t 7 . 3 5 , 8.30 (special train) and 10.30 A . M . , a n d 2 . 3 0 P . M .
R e t u r n i n g , leave W e s t d a l e for the c i t y , a t
2 . 5 5 , 5.47 a n d 8.03 P . M .
^ F r i e n d s from the country w i l l arrive a n d depart b y the regular t r a i n s .
E x c u r s i o n tickets from P h i l a d e l p h i a m a y be had of either of the Committee
of A r r a n g e m e n t s , or at the ticket office p r e v i o u s to the d e p a r t u r e of the trains, a t
50 cents e a c h .
C h i l d r e n half p r i c e .
Corresponding rates from other p o i n t s .
Edward P a r r i s h , 800 A r h h S t .
T h o s . H . S p e a k m a n , 26 N . 7th S t .
Jacob M . E l l i s , 3 2 5 W a l n u t S t .
C h a s . A . D i x o n , 715 M a r k e t S t .
J o s . M . T r u m a n , J r , 413 F r a n k l i n S t .
Committee of A r r a n g e m e n t s
The
11
reunion" we„s duly h e l d , as a p p e a r s from the following editorial note in
the Intelligencer
for 6 t h . M o n t h 2 4 , 1865:
/ P F r i e n d s ' Social L y c e u m R e u n i o n . - Not-
withstanding the weather w a s u n f a v o r a b l e for a rural excursion, at a n early h o u r
several h u n d r e d F r i e n d s a s s e m b l e d b y a p p o i n t m e n t , on the S w a r t h m o r e College g r o u n d s .
72- i ... -vol, s s r - p T - g e e ^ / ^ L
3
7
ZJf
'"'Some w e r e , no d o u b t , a t t r a c t e d by the e x c e e d i n g b e a u t y of the p l a c e .
The
p r o s p e c t , from the building-site a l o n e w e l l repays the effort to enjoy it, but the
most p i c t u r e s q u e a n d beautiful p o r t i o n of the p r o p e r t y , i s through the woods and a l o n g
EM
the little stream, familiarly k n o w n as C r u m b ^ C r e e k , w h i c h name tradition attributes to
the crumbs said to have been shaken b y W i l l i a m P e n n into the s t r e a m , when on one occa-
at
sion he rested a n d took his noonday meal oy its s i d e .
^ F a t h e r s a n d m o t h e r s , b r o t h e r s and sisters, p a r e n t s a n d children, c a m e , f r o m
city a n d country, to b e socially a n d m e n t a l l y r e f r e s h e d together; a n d there might sometimes be seen in one g r o u p , the loved a n d h o n o r e d who h a d reached the threescore y e a r s
and ten, - the v i g o r a n d the strength of active m i d d l e l i f e , - the sober m a t r o n , a n d
the little c h i l d .
^ S o m e , d o u b t l e s s , w e r e a c t u a t e d by the expectation of m e e t i n g congenial
friends, a n d brightening their social feelings b y a n interchange of k i n d l y g r e e t i n g s .
O t h e r s , a g a i n , hoped to receive m e n t a l enjoyment from the intellectual exercises that
had been promised; while a n o t h e r c l a s s , influenced in a degree by the former m o t i v e s ,
indulged a higher h o p e of the g o o d w h i c h must result f r o m these social gatherings of the
aged a n d the i n e x p e r i e n c e d .
^ P h e older a n d the y o u n g e r , we t h i i k , m u s t from such i n t e r c o u r s e , b e c o m e m o r e
assimilated in feeling a n d better able to u n d e r s t a n d a n d a p p r e c i a t e the m i s s i o n of the
other.
A s the Father h a s p l a c e d u s in fami Vies composed of v a r i o u s states a n d a g e s ,
each designed to fill a n a p p r o p r i a t e p l a c e , that is the happiest a n d most healthy
condition when 8.11 the members a r e c o n s i d e r e d , a n d the enjoyments a r e so simple they
may b e shared by a l l .
^ F r o m 1 0 to 12 M . w a s o c c u p i e d w i t h literary exercises; a recess w a s then
a n n o u n c e d , w h e n the company separated to p a r t a k e of the refreshments w h i c h each h a d
brought.
-*On r e a s s e m b l i n g , a d e s c r i p t i o n w a s g i v e n of the p r o p o s e d C o l l e g e - b u i l d i n g s ,
a n d a p l a n of them e x h i b i t e d .
^he
r a i n , w h i c h h a d b e e n expected, now suddenly terminated the a f t e r n o o n
e x e r c i s e s , a n d deprived the company of h e a r i n g some of the E s s a y s that h a d b e e n p r e pared for the occasion; but w h e n the Lyceum a g a i n c o n v e n e s , they m a y b e p r e s e n t e d .
f i n the present n u m b e r , we g i v e one of the E s s a y s delivered on this
occasion.**
far
•->.>>
02= ^^
]
The essay r e m i s e d in the above n o t i c e was on the comprehensive subject of
%
"Mind a n d M a t t e r " , and w a s g i v e n by Caleb S . H a l l o w e l l .
B u t of m o r e immediate
interest in the history of Swarthmore College is the following a c c o u n t of the
i*v
U
"Reunion" w h i c h was writtehTp-e- the Intelligencer
b y Isaac H i c k s , of W e s t b u r y , L o n g
Island, -under date of 6th m o . 1 7 , 1865:7fThe L y c e u m R e - U n i o n .
We accepted an
invitation on the 10th of 6th m o n t h to join a n excursion of the F r i e n d s ' Social Lyceum of Philadelphia to the grounds of S w a r t h m o r e .
W e s t d a l e Station was o u r stopping
p l a c e , on the W e s t c h e s t e r r a i l r o a d , in close p r o x i m i t y to the grounds and ten m i l e s
from P h i l a d e l p h i a .
A road for the m o s t p a r t b o r d e r e d and overhung by trees, led by
the stone mansion where the great p a i n t e r , B e n j a m i n W e s t , w a s b o r n .
U p the rising
hill our party w e n d e d their w a y , u n t i l near the summit w e turned into a f i e l d , lingering to en.ioy the v i e w .
Such a p r o s p e c t has rarely met our g a z e .
Below
u s stretched
a most b e a u t i f u l c o u n t r y , dotted w i t h houses and well cultivated f a r m s , the scene
enlivened by gentle u n d u l a t i o n s , covered w i t h the brightest g r e e n , a n d interspersed
w i t h occasional groves of w o o d l a n d for v a r i e t y .
T h e silvery w a t e r s of the D e l a w a r e
were seen at two places in the far d i s t a n c e , a n d the W e s t c h e s t e r railroad la.y b e l o w ,
and a little f u r t h e r , w i n d i n g its circuitous route through the m e a d o w , was Crumb
Creek.
•KJ
A r o u n d us were cltupps of goodly trees ready grown for a shade or p l a y - g r o u n d
for the y o u t h that m a y , in some hot distant d a y , tread this p l a c e w i t h m e r r y f e e t .
In other d i r e c t i o n s , h i g h grounds w i t h w o o d l a n d i n t e r s p e r s e d , g l i m p s e s of elegant
country residences and farm h o u s e s , showed that good s o c i e t y , pure a i r , w i t h health a n d
vigor to the future inmates of the h a l l , were
secured.
^ T h e sound, of the b e l l calls us to the speaker's stand to enjoy the literary
feast that our friends of the L y c e u m h a d prepared for u s .
^ T h e truthful words of the first essay struck a chord of response in every
thinking m i n d .
who can
1 -
W h a t a w o r l d of m e a n i n g in the title of the e s s a y , "Self-culture,•
for
be g r e a t , wise or g o o d , and who can p e r f o r m the true objects of l i f e , w i t h o u t
I b i d , V o iPP^ S ^265
f p -. 66.
249 - 2 5 1 . ^
x L f a i X ^
^
^
AJ S ^U ^^ L^ . c H-i-H^ v h .
82: - ^ v V
an e a r n e s t , truthful cultivation of all h i s powers?
^*The stillness a n d a t t e n t i o n of the a u d i e n c e w a s the "best p r o o f of its
appreciation of all the excellent essays w i t h w h i c h w e were favored; far better than
Tnfc
the n o i s y and often insincere a c c l a t i o n s of p u b l i c a s s e m b l i e s .
A
T h e m o r n i n g exercises
were closed by one who c l o t h e d her rich and truthful thoughts in the language of
poetry.
^ B u t a description of the L y c e u m , or the discussion of the good things that
our friends h a d provided is not our p u r p o s e .
W e w i s h e d to examine the g r o u n d s , a n d pro-
ceeded by a road down a gentle descent b e h i n d the grove where tents w e r e p r o v i d e d ,
•until we came to the s p r i n g s .
W h a t a. cool p l a c e , a n d how cool the w a t e r , b u l l i n g
up from b e l o w , where scarce a sunbeam p e e p s t h r o u g h the canopy of trees o v e r h e a d .
Here is the p l a c e for the w a t e r that w i l l supply the b u i l d i n g s , and that b a b b l i n g
b r o o k , emptying into Crumb C r e e k , is to do the w o r k of forcing it UP
to the b u i l d i n g s .
Here they can have a m i n a t u r e F a i r m o u n t , and the y o u n g folks take lessons in h y d r a u l i c s .
F o l l o w i n g our road down the hill through a continuous w o o d , so delightful and so fefreshing in a hot day like t h i s , we h e a r d the rippling of the creek o v e r its stony f l o o r ,
and soon the p a t h led u s to its b r i n k .
It w a s , we t h o u g h t , about two feet d e e p , a n d
3 0 or 4 0 in w i d t h - just the p l a c e that b o y s w i l l l o v e to wade a n d -nlay in, and not
deep enough to be d a n g e r o u s .
Here by this r o c k , u n d e r n e a t h w h i c h a little spring sends
forth its clear w a t e r , we will rest and l o o k a r o u n d .
We suppose that w e are , in this
wild r a v i n e , 2 0 0 feet below the top of the h i l l , a,nd this side h i l l is too steep often
to c l i m b .
R o c k s , gray a n d a n c i e n t , p r o j e c t out so far as to p r e s e n t a wall 3 0 or
more feet in h e i g h t .
Such a romantic p l a c e w e h a d not expected to see - old rough
barked chestnut and oak trees sprang: UP
a r o u n d the r o c k s .
The laurel so green a n d so
pretty when covered with f l o w e r s , the dogwood a n d other trees of low g r o w t h , w i t h the
"TV
ground, covered, w i t h a p r o f u s i o n of w i l d p l a n t s a n d ferjpp of many k i n d s , w e r e h e r e .
Sometimes our p a t h led us by the b r o o k , but we had too soon to quit the good r o a d ,
and scramble among the trees a n d h u s h e s w i t h a little too m u c h of an
inclination
8.
downward in the u n b e a t e n path to suit sober t r a v e l l e r s .
Now we c^me to the h e m l o c k
trees, n e a r the end of the t r a c k , a n d they w e r e fine specimens of this most beautiful
of A m e r i c a n evergreens.
We h o p e to take this w a l k a g a i n w h e n art has improved n a t u r e ,
and nice p a t h s wind a r o u n d the k n o l l s , with a little p r o t e c t i o n to those p l a c e s
where the p e d e s t r i a n m a y b e in danger of a t u m b l e .
We thought of I d l e w i l d , the home of
the p o e t , N . P . W i l l i s , but it is m u c h l a r g e r a n d m o r e d i v e r s i f i e d .
If the cities
of New Y o r k or Philadelphia had such a p l a c e as this in their p a r k s , u p o g which to
expend their m o n e y a n d develop its b e a u t i e s , how they w o u l d prize i t .
-*$he high baric of the r a i l r o a d , a n d the very h i g h bridge that spans Crumb
Creek are b e f o r e , and we turn our course b a c k w a r d s a n d climb the h i l l .
Here w e m e t
a party of the b u i l d i n g c o m m i t t e e , discussing the quality of a stone quarry a.nd its
fitness for b u i l d i n g p u r p o s e s .
We p u s h e d through the trees and b u s h e s to examine
those rocks we had seen jutting out o n the h i l l s i d e w h e n p a s s i n g b e l o w .
W o u l d they
answer for buildin
They have b e e n
stone, inquired a p r a c t i c a l Friend?
We trust n o t .
here too l o n g , dating far b a c k in the u n k n o w n p a s t , a n d have a right to s t a y .
They
looked to u s like trap rocks, but the name makes no d i f f e r e n c e , their age is p a s t
p
• inding o u t , a n d we trust no hand of ma n w i l l deface their s i d e s , or p o w d e r rend their
seams.
A p a r t y of y o u n g folks had a l r e a d y found, this p l a c e , and it w i l l be a favorite
resort.
We seated ourselves on a. prominent r o c k , a n d took a view of this wild s c e n e .
Two h u n d r e d feet b e l o w , the creek w e n d e d its w a y through the t r e e s .
was almost sore- d w i t h a carpet of ferns an^/>lants of m a n y k i n d s .
The side hill
H e r e , we thought,
/
was the p l a c e to m e d i t a t e .
his w e a r y m i n d .
H e r e the careworn teacher c o u l d retire in summer, and rest
Here the student could withdraw from the busy h u m of v o i c e s , and
uninterruptedly drink deep of learning's f o u n t .
The scenery below a n d a.round, the old
primeval t r e e s , through which the echo of the w o o d m a n ' s a x e p e r h a p s n e v e r rang, a n d
with nought to b r e a k the silence b u t the m u r m u r i n g b r o o k , or the sweet notes of the
solitary w o o d b i r d , must be a fit place for deep thought a n d sweet communion of m i n d .
Did W e s t , when a b o y , w a l k this v a l l e y , o r , p e r c h e d on this overhanging rock, see
visions of his future life pass b e f o r e him?
P e r h a p s the flowing stream beneath
suggested the~^oyage of l i f t , and germs of ideas w h i c h w e r e p o r t r a y e d on canvass in
after l i f e , were formed h e r e .
T h e b o t a n i s t , t o o , has here a fine field for observa-
tion - m o r e kinds of plants and trees are here in this d o m a i n , then p e r h a p s a n y
other of its s i z e .
Trjily, we h o p e that the B o a r d of Education will be practical in
their v i e w s ; a n d that the things w h i c h concern our everyday l i f e , k n o w l e d g e of
p l a n t s , of b i r d s , and of our own o r g a n i z a t i o n , will not be n e g l e c t e d .
with us to the site n o w , and see h o w p e r f e c t l y it is l o c a t e d .
Thirty
acres of h i g h and excellent l a u d , w i t h just enough of slope to be easy of access and to
allow the waters to run o f f .
The soil will p r o d u c e g r a s s , grain and vegetables in per-
f e c t i o n , if p r o p e r l y cultivated; a n d from the appearance of the trees now h e r e , a f e w
years
1
g r o w t h will give the necessary shade when others a r e p l a n t e d .
A perfect
specimen of the tulip tree stood n e a r , showing that the soil suits them; a n d if they
succeed in the open pasture f i e l d , we have no fear for other desirable shade t r e e s .
Neither h a v e w e fear that fruit would, g r o w , but who has ever seen a ripe harvest
apple g r o w near a school-house, o r who has seen the red cheek of a ripe p e a c h or a
melting p e a r , where school boys h a v e range?
e-.ch sy
How new a n d strange it was to u s to see
rl 3' I cedar trees g r o w i n g a l o n g the fences h e r e , trimmed like the garb of
our p l a i n F r i e n d s , and ours on L o n g Island so homely'.
To u s e an expression common to
our s o c i e t y , w e think the committee were favored to select so eligible a s i t e .
A p p a r e n t l y plenty of stone for the foundation a few rods o f f , a. b r i c k y a r d within a
short d i s t a n c e , a n d a railroad sta.tioh at the lower part of the f a r m , and every thing
they w i s h that cannot be p r o c u r e d on or near there, can b e easily brought from Philadelphia.
s>%o village n e a r , but that of M e d i a , in w h i c h the sale of liquor is p r o h i b i t e d
SS:
[ "by l a w , nothing to tempt the y o u t h to dissipation; it a p p e a r e d to he a good farmingcountry a r o u n d , inhabited "by the "best class of c i t i z e n s .
^he
b u i l d i n g committee expect soon to commence o p e r a t i o n s , b y quarrying
and p r e p a r i n g m a t e r i a l s for the f o u n d a t i o n .
^Harkt
gramme.
A g a i n the tones of the bell call u s to the second part of the pro-
D a r k clouds a r e rising from the w e s t , a n d F r i e n d s b e g i n to feel a little
impatient, the distant roll of thunder is h e a r d .
A m e m b e r of the B o a r d of Managers
explains the plans of the b u i l d i n g and what they intend to d o .
deexD a t t e n t i o n or tried to do so; b u t a l a s !
We l i s t e n e d w i t h
it w a s p l a i n l y seen that the m i n d s of
the a u d i e n c e w o u l d w a n d e r to the l o w e r i n g h e a v e n s , a s thoughts of a shower b a t h rose
before t h e m .
Signs of departure were now v i s i b l e .
B a s k e t s were collected., a n d al-
though w e all no doubt,looked w i t h much interest to the speaker who w a s to f o l l o w ,
neither he nor any other p e r s o n could h o l d us
there.
^ T h u s closed our first visit to the g r o i m d s of Swarthmore C o l l e g e .
Crowded,
as we were in the little station h o u s e , to a v o i d the p o u r i n g rain, a n d cut short of
one-third of the e n t e r t a i n m e n t , yet we w e r e well r e p a i d .
lings of congenial m i n d s .
We love these social ming-
These intellectual f e a s t s , where the y o u n g a n d middle
aged open the gates of the storehouse of m e m o r y , a n d p o u r out their learned treasures
for each other's g o o d .
B o t h are b e n e f i t t e d , and w e h o p e the F r i e n d s of this Lyceum
m a y lorn? enjoy their social and literary g a t h e r i n g s s s
/
T h i s a p p e a l i n g and p e r h a p s the first d e t a i l e d ^ d e s c r i p t i o n of "the C r u m " ,
"the A l l i g a t o r " , a n d the colege c a m p u s , leads u s b a c k to the efforts o f the Board to
create the college b u i l d i n g s .
A t its m e e t i n g on 1 2 t h . M o n t h 6, 1 3 6 4 , it h a d appointed
a committee of four (Joseph P o w e l l , Clement B i d d l e , H u g h Mc Ilvain and Isaac
Stephens) "to have care of the R e a l Estate b e l o n g i n g to the C o r p o r a t i o n , a n d to proceed in enclosing the property a n d in p l a n t i n g trees."
A t the same m e e t i n g . i t h a d
appointed another committee of seven (Gerard H . R e e s e , E d w a r d p P r r i s h , John D . H i c k s ,
Edward H o o p e s , B . R u s h R o b e r t s , H a n n a h '7. H a y d o c k and H e l e n G . L o n g s t r e t h ) "to m a t u r e
the p l a n s for b u i l d i n g as p r e p a r e d by direction of the late Board w i t h the comparative
cost of b u i l d i n g of stone and b r i c k , and to obtain careful estiinates for the same, a n d
report at the next m e e t i n g of this Board."
The first of these committees is referred,
to in the Board's subsequent m i n u t e s as "the p r o p e r t y C o m m i t t e e " , a n d the second as
"the Committee on Plans."
The P r o p e r t y Committee r e p o r t e d to the B o a r d at its m e e t i n g on 5 t h . M o n t h ,
i 12, 1 3 6 5 , ^ > t h a t , u p o n taking charge of the farm they were u n i t e d in judgment that it
i would be b e t t e r to p o s t p o n e p l a n t i n g trees a n d hedges u n t i l next fall or s p r i n g , believing it would be a g a i n of time to h a v e the ground farmed b e f o r e p l a n t i n g .
We
have now about Thirty acres of the p r o p e r t y immediately north of the Rail R o a d
p l o u g h e d , a n d at this time b e i n g p l a n t e d with c o r n .
W l e have p u r c h a s e d one thousand b u s h e l l s L i m e to be d e l i v e r e d at the siding
on the p r o p e r t y .
We have also had one thousand bushells of a fertilizer donated to
the property by the A m e r i c a n p a p e r M a n u f a c t u r i n g Company to be deposited on a wharf
in W e s t Phil^da., a l l of w h i c h we expect to apply during the next' m o n t h to the thirty
acres of l a n d .
^ O n account of the difficulty in p r o c u r i n g laborers our report does not
equal our e x p e c t a t i o n s .
The house on the p r o p e r t y b e i n g occupied we could n o t get
possession of it u n t i l the First of F o u r t h M o n t h , w h e n we p r o c u r e d the services of
an experienced f a r m e r , who w i t h his family reside on the p r o p e r t y .
^ W e have found, it neccesary to their comfort to direct some repairs to the
h o u s e , w h i c h are now in p r o g r e s s , a n d when done w i l l involve a n expense of pbout one
'hundred d o l l a r s .
n o w feel that, w e a r e in a p o s i t i o n to m a k e good, p r o g r e s s h a v i n g purc h a s e d a team of two horses a.nd the necessary f a r m i n g implements at a cost of about
as
Five h u n d r e d d o l l a r s .
^ W e deemed it important to u n d e r d r a i n a p o r t i o n of the p r o p e r t y n e r r the
Station.
Eight hundred and twenty feet of the drain is now dug p r e p a r a t o r y to p u t t i n g
in T i l e .
^ O n behalf of the Committee
9
Fhilad "' 5 mo 12th 1 3 6 5 .
J o s e p h P o w e l l Clerk."*
The above report having b e e n "read and. u n i t e d w i t h " , the report of the Committee on P l a n s was p r e s e n t e d as follows}
^ T o the Board of M a n a g e r s ,
^ T n e Committee to m a t u r e plans & c have h a d several m e e t i n g s & some correspondence.
Some of the number h a v e visited the State N o r m a l School at Millersville
{pennsylvaniaj a n d other p u b l i c I n s t i t u t i o n s , a n d as a r e s u l t , they are convinced that
the plans submitted to the late B o a r d w e r e not sufficiently comprehensive to meet a l l
the v a r i e d requirements of the C o l l e g i a t e , N o r m a l and. P r e l i m i n a r y d e p a r t m e n t s .
They
have therefore endeavored to p r e p a r e a modified p l a n of a b u i l d i n g a p o r t i o n of w h i c h
can be a d v a n t a g e o u s l y Erected at once and opened for the u s e of the p r e l i m i n a r y Departm e n t , w h i l e u p o n the same system such additional p a r t s m a y be e r e c t e d , as the m o r e
m a t u r e d views of the Board may enable them hereafter to d i r e c t .
^ T h e p l a n now submitted is for the W e s t w i n g , w h i c h it is b e l i e v e d can b e
erected for about $ 6 0 , 0 0 0 , m u c h less than the same a c c o m m o d a t i o n s could h a v e been
secured u p o n the former p l a n .
T h e general p l a n is m o r e o v e r so capable of b e i n g m o d i -
fied in a c c o r d a n c e w i t h the future requirements of the scheme of instruction t h a t , w e
may adoot it so far a s the erection of the West W i n g r e q u i r e s , w i t h o u t cramping o u r
future a c t i o n .
^ I n view of the a n t i c i p a t e d decline in the p r i c e of b u i l d i n g m a t e r i a l s a n d
of labor, we would propose that the several parts of the w o r k b e contracted for only
as r e q u i r e d .
W e also suggest that no time be lost in commencing a n d p u s h i n g forward
n
\the w o r k , so that it m a y he ready ][•#• occupancy next y e a r .
I
^ S i g n e d on b e h a l f of the C o m m i t t e e ,
Gerard H . R e e s e , E d w a r d P a r r i s h ,
E d w a r d Hoopes;**
This Report a n d the p l a n s p r e p a r e d by direction of the Committee w e r e a p p r o v e d
by the B o a r d , they "embodying the chief features of the p r o p o s e d b u i l d i n g s , subject to
such m o d i f i c a t i o n s as the Building Committee m a y find necessary"; a n d "the Committee
on Flans" w a s continued "to give further a t t e n t i o n to the subject."
The Board, then discussed "the question as to whether b r i c k or stone should
be u s e d for the w a l l (of the W e s t W i n g ] " , a n d d e c i d e d to refer it to a B u i l d i n g Committee, w i t h p o w e r to a c t .
A committee of four (Edward M e r r i t t , E l l w o o d B u r d s a l l , Clement
Biddle a n d Isaac S t e p h e n s ) was a p p o i n t e d "to n o m i n a t e a Building Committee to contract
for a n d superintend the erection of the West W i n g as agreed upon."
On their nomina-
tion a B u i l d i n g Committee of five (Hugh M c I l v a i n , Edward H o o p e s , Edward P a r r i s h ,
Ellwood Burdsall and Gerard H . R e e s e ) was then a p p o i n t e d .
T h u s , w h e n the F r i e n d s ' Social L y c e u m h e l d their R e u n i o n on Swarthmore'g
site on J u n e 1 0 , 1 8 6 5 , they doubtless looked out over the land w h i c h the P r o p e r t y Committee h a d had drained, p l o w e d , f e r t i l i z e d a n d sowed w i t h corn the m o n t h b e f o r e , tad
examined the plans for the first b u i l d i n g w h i c h the Committee on P l a n s had recently
drawn u-> a n d s u b m i t t e d .
T h r o u g h the summer a n d autumn of 1 3 6 5 , the B o a r d ' s three
committees p u r s u e d their t a s k s , a n d whei^tno. Duagd'a next meeting; w a s h e l d , on 1 2 t h .
Month 4 , 1 8 6 5 , they presented their respective r e p o r t s .
,
;
The Committee on F l a n s reported:^pAs contemplated by the m i n u t e of their
^
appointment some of the m e m b e r s of the C o m m i t t e e on F l a n s in conjunction w i t h the
^
It
Building Committee a n d the experienced A r c h i t e c t , who w a s employed to draw the plans
4
^
j I
previously submitted, h a v e subjected.the whole subject to a careful r e - e x a m i n a t i o n , a s ^ /TT
; a result of which some important m o d i f i c a t i o n s , lessening the expense & thus enabling •»
^
us to a b a n d o n the expedient of p u t t i n g uo p a r t of the b u i l d i n g a t a time have been
"77 ~
first college b u i l d i n g w a s not occupied until O c t o b e r , 1 8 6 9 , four a n d a h a l f
years later.
I
e
<
aaopted.
**Phe building tins p r o j e c t e d is well l i g h t e d and v e n t i l a t e d , the p a r t i t i o n s
constituting the corridors are of solid b r i c k w o r k to the r o o f , the roof is of s l a t e ,
the p o r t i c o s of s t o n e .
The whole character of the structure is p l a i n a n d s u b s t a n t i a l ,
and there is no obvious reason that it should not stand for c e n t u r i e s .
^ C a r e f u l estimates foxinded on the a c t u a l cost of m a t e r i a l s & labor show
that at the p r e s e n t m a x i m u m p r i c e s the entire structure can be p u t u n d e r roof substant i a l ^ and p e r m a n e n t l y b u i l t of stone for $ 9 5 , 0 0 0 .
This estimate is thus divided ft
for the center b u i l d i n g $ 4 0 , 0 0 0 , for the wings including the return wings each $ 2 7 , 5 0 0 .
-u.
£
^ T t is further estimated that the entire b u i l d i n g can b e ^ r n i s h e d for
$60,000. additional.
The furniture a n d a p p a r a t u s , together with the water works a n d
gas works a n d the grading & p l a n t i n g of the grounds are not includedj^-'^*- «X*v<.
The above "Report of the Committee on P l a n s was read and a p p r o v e d , and the
Committee released."
T h e r e u p o n the B u i l d i n g Committee presented the following report:
TfThe B u i l d i n g Committee w o u l d respectfully report that soon after their ap* ointment they
made an examination of the grounds w i t h a v i e w to locating the p r o p o s e d buildings A n d
to find if p o s s i b l e stone for their erection on the p r o p e r t y .
-PAfter a thorough examination b y h a v i n g the m o s t favorable points opened they
concluded that stone could be obtained of better quality in the immediate n e i g h b o r h o o d ,
and obtained from the two n e a r e s t , fifty perch e a c h , nether of w h i c h p r o v e d
satisfactory.
From the examination m a d e the committee w a s satisfied that the nearest p o i n t at w h i c h
stone can be obtained that would be of a quality and color suited to such a structure
is the quarry of T h o m a s Seabrook about one a n d a half m i l e from the site, on Cram C r e e k .
^ T h e y ^the stonesj can b e delivered on the ground at $2.25 p e r perch of 25
c u b i C feet in the w a l l , including those suited for d r e s s i n g for c o r n e r s , b a s e course
&c.
sills.
The same k i n d off stone can be p r o c u r e d at 30 cents p e r cubic foot for steps and
* T h e committee think that it w o u l d he desirable to make a contract with the
above n a m e d person soon, so that he may commence quarrying & h a u l i n g the stone d u r i n g
the favorable w e a t h e r of this w i n t e r , a n d w o u l d also advise that a contract be made
with the same warty to h a v e the steps a n d sills d r e s s e d a t h i s q u a r r y , w h i c h h e offers
to do on favorable t e r m s .
* I n order that the work m a y be started early in the s p r i n g , we would
recommend
that p r o o o s a l s be received soon for digging the c e l l a r , laying the stone and grading
the g r o u n d s .
A survey h a s b e e n .aade a n d the b u i l d i n g s laid out by G e o r g e Hancock
according to the p l a n s furnished by the c o m m i t t e e a p p o i n t e d for that p u r p o s e .
^ o u r committee are a b u n d a n t l y satisfied that it has been to the best interest
of th institution that they did not p r o c e e d w i t h the p l a n s as p r o p o s e d at the last
m e e t i n g of the B o a r d , a s those since furnished are b e t t e r m a t u r e d a n d ih many important
particulars better a d a p t e d to the economical w o r k i n g of the concern a f t e r its completion.
^ S i g n e d by H u g h M c I l v a i n , E d w a r d H o o p e s , E . P a r r i s h ; *
T h i s report w a s of such importance that it was "twice read a n d the suggestions
in regard to quarrying the stone, dig. ing the c e l l a r s , l a y i n g the stone and inclosing
the b u i l d i n g w e r e considered."
It was then "agreed to instruct the committee to pro-
ceed w i t h the work."
The former suggestion that the b u i l d i n g should b e erected one w i n g a t a
time, commencing with the W e s t W i n g a n d completing it in 186*% w a s thus d i s c a r d e d ,
a n d the decision taken to erect the w h o l e b u i l d i n g a t o n c e .
%
The f o r m e r s u g g e s t i o n ,
a l s o , that one of the neighboring br^ck-yards b e called upon to supply the m a t e r i a l s
for
the b ureached
i l d i n g was
rejected,
a p p a r e n tof
l y s by
q u i e s c e n c e ,theandrealization
the fortunate
Aiecision
to erect
a structure
t o n esilent
, thus a cpermitting
of a n
"alma mater, staunch and g r a y . g a o a a r . Soabroolc'o quarry t nLai,c- u
Jo?.
I llTT)t*TV
IMIWI.-bi^k
<- W^J^V
-
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w
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I
Following the reports of these two important c o m m i t t e e s , came that of the
Property Committee w h i c h , the m i n u t e s s t a t e , w a s "satisfactory to the Board."
It was
as follows:
j
ffThey h a v e g i v e n a t t e n t i o n to the improvement of the g r o u n d s in order to
i
|
eradicate the weeds b e f o r e planting t r e e s .
All the tillable land north of the R a i l
R o a d , a lout 50 a c r e s , lias been ploughed and 3 0 0 0 b u s h e l s of lime applied to i t .
A b o u t 800 bushels of corn have been taken from the 2 5 acres cultivated last s p r i n g ,
1
the remainder h a v i n g b e e n p l o u g h e d late in the summer and no seed s o w n , deeming it
better that it should lie fallow u n t i l spring that it may h a v e the necessary cultivation for a corn c r o p .
*\7e recommend that the soil b e cultivated at least another y e a r b e f o r e planting trees to any great
^ e
extent.
'nave found it n e c e s s a r y to employ a good deal of labor in contending w i t h
the w e e d s and removing trees & rubbish p r e p a r a t o r y to p l a n t i n g h e d g e s ; involving an
expenditure of about $ 1 8 0 0 - lime $ 5 9 1 , labor $ 6 9 5 . 1 8 , stock & f a r m i n g implements
$ 5 2 8 . 1 9 , repairing h o u s e & stable $ 1 5 0 . ^
W e h a v e sold enough corn a n d f o d d e r , a f t e r
reserving sufficient for the u s e of the p r o p e r t y , to pay for the l a b o r up to this t i m e .
^ S i g n e d J o s e p h P o w e l l on b e h a l f of the
c o m m i t t e e . ^
This impotent m e e t i n g of the B o a r d occurred on 12th.. M o n t h 4 , 1 8 6 5 , and
since the a n n u a l m e e t i n g of the Corporation was to b e held the next d a y , the B o a r d
directed Vflusyclerks (Edward P a r r i s h a n d H a r r i e t E . S t o c k l y ) "to p r e p a r e
p
report to
the A n n u a l Meeting of the Stockholders to be submitted to the a d j o u r n e d m e e t i n g " , that is, to a m e e t i n g of the Board to be held the next a f t e r n o o n at two o ' c l o c k .
"A report from the P r e s i d e n t now read is referred to them & to the incoming Board."
7 ? The "report to be read at the s t o c k h o l d e r s ' meeting" was read and a p p r o v e d at the adjourned. m e e t i n g of the B o a r d on the a f t e r n o o n of the 5th; a n d at three o'clock the same
J ^
- These last four items amount to $ 1 9 6 4 . 3 7 , not"to "about $1800."
Sfe % ^
v
a f t e r n o o n , in Race Street M e e t i n g - h o u s e , "the A n n u a l M e e t i n g of the Subscribers to
So
the Stock of Swarthmore College" w a s duly h e l d .
This Second A n n u a l M e e t i n g of the Corporation of Swarthmore C o l l e g e , to
N
Intelligencer for 1 2 t h . Month 1 6 , 1865:
^
ff Swarthmore C o l l e g e . - The A n n u a l
Meeting
of the contributors a n d others interested in S w a r t h m o r e College w a s held on the 5th i n s t .
It was attended b y m a ry from within the limits of our owh Y e a r l y M e e t i n g , and some from
Ner York and B a l t i m o r e .
One of the c o n t r i b u t o r s , the Principal of the State Normal
School at M i l l e r s v i l l e , p a . , who was p r e s e n t , gave v a l u a b l e details of the workings
of that i n s t i t u t i o n .
He spoke w i t h earnestness of the need in our Society of a similar
o n e , where F r i e n d s ' children could receive a p r a c t i c a l education w i t h o u t b e i n g subjected to influences a d v e r s e to our p r i n c i p l e s a n d
testimonies.
interesting R e p o r t from the Board of M a n a g e r s was r e a d , showing that during the p a s t year the object of their appointment had b e e n kept steadily in v i e w , and
that the concern w a s progressing as fast as circumstances would a d m i t .
A
topographical
survey of the property h a d b e e n m a d e and. the l o c a t i o n of the b u i l d i n g decided u p o n , a n d ,
after m u c h labor and careful investigation of similar i n s t i t u t i o n s , the p l a n had b e e n
matured.
A drawing of the college b u i l d i n g , w i t h the p l a n of its interior a r r a n g e m e n t s ,
was presented and e x p l a i n e d , and it w a s stated that it had been decided to p r o c e e d w i t h
its erection as rapidly as the funds in the treasury w i l l j u s t i f y .
The b u i l d i n g is
plain a n d s u b s t a n t i a l , a n d presents a h a n d s o m e front; it consists of a centre buildin-: n n d two w i n g s , designed to a c c o m m o d a t e one hundred, p u p i l s e a c h .
- - "
'
^ I t is evident from the R e p o r t that the M a n a g e r s labor u n d e r serious disadvantages for want of f u n d s .
T h e y , as well as a large p o r t i o n of our S o c i e t y , earnest-
ly desire to offer to the children of the p r e s e n t g e n e r a t i o n the educational benefits of
this college.The
e that
from the establishment of the Normal
I n t e l l i g e n c e ra .d v Va no tl a.g-g&,
& L w6 o0 u1 l, d 6result
18.
% t - Vol.
B . 648.
1 5 X 0 / f"
} department alone would be i n c a l c u l a b l e .
O n e important sphere of usefulness in our
'i Society is the good effected through the labors of teachers educated among u s , and in
this institution an opportunity w i l l b e a f f o r d e d for those who desire to engage in this
laudable p u r s u i t to properly quellfy themselves for the fulfilment of this d u t y .
The
-
m e a n s for the completion of the College could easily b e obtained if Friends generally
felt the importance of the c o n c e r n , a n d we h o p e they w i l l seriously and impartially
consider the subject in all its b e a r i n g s ; and if this is d o n e , w e think they can
scarcely w i t h h o l d
t h e ^ v ^ t . ^
j
^
^
The official "Minutes of the P r o c e e d i n g s of the S e c o n d A n n u a l M e e t i n g of the
Corporation of Swarthmore College"\were p r i n t e d in a p a m p h l e t of twelve p a g e s , half of
which w e r e devoted to the R e o o r t of the Board of M a n a g e r s .
The m i n u t e s record that
^
"Lhu Ouiniaibtee appointed last y o a r to engross the Constitution, p r o d u c o d a c o p y , w h i c h
w-'i;, ballbfcK^Uifj', and the Clerks arc directed to er.frcr it u p o n the M i u u l e b .
Clffche subject of increasing the capital stock b e i n g i n t r o d u c e d , it w a s a g r e e d
that it b e now increased to T™o hundred thousand, d o l l a r s , and the Board, of Managers
i is a u t h o r i z e d to issue certificates of stock to that a m o u n t .
i
—
-
^ A d d r e s s e s were made enforcing the importance of the early completion a n d
• establishment of the C o l l e g e .
(f/tvW't '
r
^Professor
j ..
Sch
pP . 'lickersham, Superintendent of the nN o r m a l School
at Millers-
v i l l e , p a . , in reply to several i n q u i r i e s , a s s u r e d the M e e t i n g that the demand for such
institutions as that we are l a b o r i n g to erect is immediate and e x t e n s i v e .
Many members
of the Society of F r i e n d s are now in the school at M i l l e r s v i l l e , w h i c h , a l t h o u g h accommodating 4 5 0 students, is obliged to decline several hundred applicants a n n u a l l y . H e
expressed h i s regret that the plans a.s a d o p t e d by our Board of M a n a g e r s , though well
adapted, to future e x t e n s i o n , do not include such extended accommodations a s at first
contemplated, and u r g e d the greater economy connected with large numbers If pupils as an
(
incentive to increase rather than diminish the capacity of the b u i l d i n g s . In relation
was p r i n t e d also in the Intelligencer for 1 2 t h . M o n t h 1 6 , 1865 ( V o l . - S g j l S E T ,
P. 649 - * 5 1 . ) .
a^Y^JL
^
A
^
^
^
,
afr
%
to the co-education of the s e x e s , he bore favorable t e s t i m o n y , founded on large experience; there is scarcely a circumstance calling for reproof or special admonition i n ,
^
C
this relation, throughout an entire session j^n his s c h o o l .
H e depicted forcibly the
decadence w i t n e s s e d in m a n y F r i e n d s ' n e i g h b o r h o o d s , as a. result, in great m e a s u r e , of
the neglect of the great interests of e d u c a t i o n , and. expressed a strong desire to s e e
the m e m b e r s of the Society of F r i e n d s a w a k e n i n g to a just sense of the v a l u e of their
principles, a n d concerned to spread them in the w o r l d .
The great cause of education
was also commended u p o n the g r o u n d of its importance as a, p a r t of the republican s y s t e m ,
U . u/..'.j. )
M
V
CA-Jm O W
V
J.
A '
and as a necessary means not only of developing the i n d i v i d u a l , but also of fostering
4
humane and. liberal institutions in the community. ^ ^ ^ _
The R e p o r t of the B o a r d of M a n a g e r s was read in the a f t e r n o o n m e e t i n g a n d
"approved."
Its salient parts are a s follows: ftSince the last A n n u a l M e e t i n g , the p l a n s
of the b u i l d i n g s have b e e n thoroughly revised a n d important m o d i f i c a t i o n s a d o p t e d , w h i c h ,
while they rather increase the number of pupils to be a c c o m m o d a t e d , reduce the
estimated
cost of the erection a n d subsequent m a n a g e m e n t , of the i n s t i t u t i o n .
* A s now adopted by the B o a r d , these p l a n s include accommodations for over two
hundred p u p i l s w i t h their t e a c h e r s , m a t r o n s a n d other officers, w h i l e the dining r o o m ,
and the lecture a n d collecting r o o m , are a d a p t e d to n e a r l y double th*t n u m b e r , so as
to render the future e x t e n s i o n of the other apartments
of enlarging t h e s e .
Tie do not regret the time spent u p o n these p l a n s , as it has re-
sulted in their being so greatly
fi-For
practicable without the necessity
improved.
the information of those who will not have access to them, the f o l l o w i n g
description is appended:
^ T h e entire length of the b u i l d i n g is to b e 348 feet; consisting of centre
b u i l d i n g , 60 b y 138 f e e t , a n d two extreme or return w i n g s , 44 b y 92 f e e t , lying p a r a l l e l
to each o t h e r , connected by intermediate wings of 44 by 100 f e e t , the w h o l e to be three
stories h i g h , the first floor b e i n g level t h r o u g h o u t .
The clear heights of stories w i l l
•96——h
""After Borne time devoted to extending the subscriptions, the Meeting then
took a recess till
o'clock in the evening.
*At the evening session a large audience was assembled, who were addressed
by several persons upon the objects and plans of the corporation.
^Subscriptions to the stock were made at this meeting, amounting to 211
shares.
Forty additional shares were also subscribed, conditioned on a subscription
of $100,000 in sums of like amount or more.
Mahlon K . Taylor, of Taylorsville, Bucks
Co., Pa., pledged himself to obtain subscriptions to the amount of forty shares;
Clement Biddle, of Chester County, Pa., guaranteed a like amount from within the
limits of Birmingham Monthly Meeting.
*The meeting then adjourned."**
be in the win :s 12 feet each; the first and second stories of centre b u i l d i n g will
be each 16 feet, and the third story 14 feet h i g h .
The b u i l d i n g will be of s t o n e .
The style of architecture is Roman, or M o d e r n I t a l i a n , adapted w i t h the greatest care
to the requirements of the structure, a n d a p p l i e d w i t h strict referehce to economy a n d
good t a s t e .
**Phe first story of the- centre b u i l d i n g w i l l be f^ced with rusticated range
work; the front ends of the w i n g s a n d the second a n d third storias of the centro w i l l
be b r o k e n r a n g e , a l l p o i n t e d off to a n even s u r f a c e , a n d to have quoins on the c o r n e r s .
t will be w e l l l i g h t e d a n d v e n t i l a t e d , the p a r t i t i o n s
constituting
the corridors b e i n g of solid b r i c k - w o r k to the r o o f , a n d the roof of s l a t e .
The whole
structure will b e remarkably s u b s t a n t i a l , a n d there is n o obvious reason that it m a y
not stand for c e n t u r i e s .
* T h e five sections of the b u i l d i n g are to b e separated b y fire p r o o f divisions, the doorways in w h i c h can b e closed at w i l l w i t h sliding doors of i r o n .
main stairways a r e also to b e fire p r o o f .
The
The k i t c h e n , w i t h all its a p p e n d a g e s , is
placed u p o n the rear of the edntre b u i l d i n g , a n d w i l l b e two stories h i g h ; a portion
of the second story connects w i t h the lecture r o o m , a n d is a p p r o p r i a t e d for laboratory
and a p p a r a t u s rooms; the remainder contains sleeping rooms for d o m e s t i c s , and is
connected with the kitchen and l a u n d r y . - ~ -
- -
# A topographical survey of the p r o p e r t y has been m a d e , a n d the b u i l d i n g site
very carefully selected; the p l a n t i n g of trees and hedges w o u l d , it is t h o u g h t , be
premature u n t i l the ground is further p r e p a r e d .
4*The report of the T r e a s u r e r informs u s that the cash in his h a n d s and bearing interest is $ 6 8 , 9 3 9 . 4 1 .
T h e r e aire also subscriptions not p a i d in, and instalments
on subscriptions which have b e e n p a i d ih p a r t , r e a c h i n g nearly $ i O , O O Q .
This a g g r e g a t e
is
inadequate to
the
c hU we
a d hi oi JpI JeCdU . to
O.X2 quite
VO
WW
U i i C object
UUJCOl^ w
Wh
- iiJ.
^ G h
IJ.CUJ.
UU a
C lcUcUoU mLpUl i
X sOh
i l during^ the approachto imcrease o u r
ing building season\- a n d shows t h a t , u n l e s s a v i g o r o u s effort is ma.de
m
stock, disappointment w i l l be the r e s u l t . -
-
i*The p r o p o s i t i o n m d e at the last a n n u a l m e e t i n g , to raise $ 1 0 0 , 0 0 0 in
special subscriptions of not less than 4 0 shares e a c h , ha.s not b e e n a b a n d o n e d .
A
generous d o n a t i o n of $10,000.*©®' has been recently m a d e and p a i d in c a s h , a n d assurances
have b e e n received of several other large s u b s c r i p t i o n s .
T h e s e , when e n t e r e d , with
some of the 4 0 share s u b s c r i p t i o n s , m a d e conditionally a t our last a n n u a l m e e t i n g , a n d
since m a d e a b s o l u t e , w i l l constitute a n u c l e u s w h i c h , w h e n a u g m e n t e d by a few more
influential n a m e s , will doubtless induce m a n y to join in the movement who h a v e heretofore stood aloof from w a n t of confidence in our a b i l i t y to carry out our d e s i g n s .
^ I n view of the importance of p e r s o n a l influence in e x t e n d i n g
subscriptions,
it is suggested that a committee b e raised from a m o n g the stockholders in P h i l a d e l p h i a
and its vicinity to co-operate w i t h the P r e s i d e n t in this d u t y . - ~ ~ ~
^ W h i l e our report h a s b e e n n e c e s s a r i l y o c c u p i e d chiefly with the p e c u n i a r y
aspects of the e n t e r p r i s e , now the most p r e s s i n g , yet w e h a v e not been u n m i n d f u l of
the other interests intrusted to u s ; and from w h a t h a s a l r e a d y come to our k n o w l e d g e ,
w e b e l i e v e that w h e n the buildings a r e erected a n d ready for o c c u p a n c y , teachers a n d
professors of the required learning and m o r a l qualities to commend them to general
approval can be secured to open a n d carry on the I n s t i t u t i o n .
—
- ~ -
•^Finally, the B o a r d w o u l d express to the stockholders their continued faith
in the u l t i m a t e success of the cause in which w e h a v e e m b a r k e d .
It is connected w i t h
much labor in its numerous p a r t s ; b u t if w e p e r s e v e r e a n d steadily seek the Divine
f a v o r , w i t h o u t which nothing can p r o s p e r , we m a y b e the m e a n s of a c c o m p l i s h i n g a. great
w o r k in our day
The allusiori^in the next to the last p a r a g r a p h quoted a b o v e , is the first
reference w e m e e t with to the new f a c u l t y .
It is quite too general to be informative;
but from other i n d i c a t i o n s , it seems p r o b a b l e that the B o a r d had in m i n d at this time
M a r i a M i t c h e l l , of V a s s a r C o l l e g e , as P r o f e s s o r of M a t h e m a t i c s a n d A s t r o n o m y , a n d
-
237
-
iseph Thomas, the already famous encyclopaedist, as Professor of the English Language and
terature/J^Neither of these scholars was a member of the Society of Friends, although the
rmer was of Quaker descent.
Post-graduate, university training in America leading to the
ofessorial degree of doctor of philosopher was still a decade ahead of the opening of
arthmore, and President Parrish found "but few persons professionally qualified for the
w college's professorships outside of the Society of Friends and none within it.
For a
od many years after Swarthmore's opening, the physical sciences were taught by doctors of
S5
dicine, and the humanities by masters of arts.
Professor Maria Mitchell
Maria Mitchell at this time was forty-seven years old; she had discovered a
net twenty years before, and for a decade had worked in the observatory on Nantucket Island
lch admiring friends had given h e r .
Swarthmore was just too late in trying for h e r , as she
i entered in I865 upon a professorship of nearly a quarter-century at Vassar; h e r e , two
nen who were to do much in later years for Swarthmore, Elizabeth Powell Bond and Susan J .
86
aningham, were deeply influenced by her scholarship and character.
Four years later, just before Swarthmore's first term began, President Parrish
Dte to Maria Mitchell, inviting her to give a course of lectures at Swarthmore;and in his
iress at the inauguration of the college on November 1 0 , I869, he said:"During the present
BSion we expect to enjoy the presence, for a limited time, of the eminent Professor of
tronomy in Vassar College, Maria Mitchell, who will give a course of lectures to our stu87
its." One month later,in reply to his invitation, he received the following letter:
Vassar College,
Po'keepsie
Dec 6 , 1869
ssident Parrish
Dear Sir
I have mislaid your first letter,which I received in Aagusfe June;
m y inxpres-
- Swarthmc
was
m
enn appoints
Solcomb
n ~188
annrsfilflt.iirfi ske+.rVh of her annears in the Intelligencer for 6th.Month ?4.1gfaR.
ies at
?
- This letter is in the possession of Henry C.Parrish,Riverton,N.J. (See infra, S .
).
Professor Mitchell's visit to Swarthmore was heralded by the publication in the Intelligencer (Nov. 13 and 2 0 , I869, V o l . XXVI, p p . 587 and 603; taken from Bttur* at Home for Oct.,
18to9)of her article on The Total Eclipse of 1 8 6 9 .
237 - ldeion is, that you thought you could afford to pay my expenses to Swarthmore & back.
I
find that I can have leave of absence, without any preliminary red-tape, if I leave from
Friday night to Monday morning, and I should prefer to do this several times, rather than
to crowd three lectures into a short space.
Your suggestion about expenses, pointed, of course, to one journey only; and
I do not suppose you can, in your very beginning, afford more than that.
If I can make engagements around, which will p a y , I have no objection to bearing
the additional expense myself - we can tell better about that, after I have been once.
I will lecture to the High School for colored youth, or in any other School,
for $20 per lecture - in a Lyceum I must have $50.
You of course understand that I have neither oratorical nor Elocutionary gifts;
[ simply talk.
I am a little afraid that your large Hall is too large for a conversational
sitch of voice, but I can try it.
I have no objections to' your inviting any person to be present from the city.
30,
* f*
I propose then, about J a n . Sth or 15th or 23d or €8th. to present myself - the
sxact time I will let you know; it must be settled at the time, depending upon what emergencies may exist here.
Yours
Maria Mitchell
Professor Joseph Thomas
i
Joseph Thomas was fifty-four in I8a5, had stuled literature at Yale, engineering
at the Eensselaer Polytechnic Institute, and medicine in Philadelphia.
In his early man-
hood, in I833-3U, he had been a teacher of the ancient languages and literature; and during
1852-53, a teacher of elocution in Haverford School.
This varied training, together with
travels in Egypt and Palestine (IS53) and India (I857) , and the authorship of a Pronouncing
<1*5
1 8 ^ ) , a Medical K L c t l o n a a ( u f t ^
l s s & ) %
^
.
I l c t l o n a
„
237 - 2
Biography and. Mythology (1870-71) > caused him to be deservedly respected as one of Philadelphia's most learned men.
It was not until 187^, however, that D r . Thomas entered upon
his professorship of Eaglish in Swarthmore College.
This continued until 1887 > four
years before his death.The interest of the Philadelphia Friends in Dr. Thomas is evidenced by the
88
following editorial notice in the Intelligencer for 11th. Month, 11, I865:
Lectures on Ancient Philosophy and Philosophers. - One of the advantages felt
by many residents of the city as some compensation for being deprived of the freedom and
companionship of nature pertaining to country life, is the privilege of gaining instruction by lectures; and, as the season approaches, we see several courses announced.
Of
these, Dr. J . Thomas's course of five lectures, advertised in our paper, appears to be
specially worthy of notice.
Perhaps few men in this country are more profoundly versed in
the languages and history of Ancient Greece and Rome; and, in addition to the historical
3
88 - Vol. XXII, p . 569.
1
j interest with which the subject is invested, we doubt not, from our knowledge of Dr.
j Thomas, that he will draw with a master hand the contrast between the heathen philosophy - in which there was undoubtedly much of deep instruction - and the higher
| Christian teaching, which it has been the privilege of modern nations to enjoy
During the same month, Dr. Thomas ^ a v e two lectures before the Friends'Social
Lyceum on "A Tour in India", giving his personal experiences of travel in the East
Indies and a first-hand account of the Sepoy Rebellion which had occurred during his
visit.
He also lectured before the Lyceum on "The Unity of the Human Species", and
on 3rd. Month 2 7 , 1866 he addressed the Friondo'-Sooial Lyceum on the subject of
In the course of this\address ke^adverted. to the value of education in its
^ relation^ to the interests of the Society of Friends^, and^fspoke m
j of the effort to establish Swarthmore College.
warm commendation
Though not himself identified with the
/
/ Society, he recognized the value of persevering and self-sacrificing efforts to promote
any views which we fully adopt and approve.
Such movements, beside their more direct
and obvious results, are useful, as teaching individuals absorbed in the pursuit of
wealth the great and indispensible lesson of l i b e r a l i t y ^
fTThatT education is most useful?
This question was discussed with much zeal
and ability, and led to the recommendation of all such mental culture as develops and
strengthens the mind.
The object should not be to fit the young for the particular
line of pursuit which will chiefly occupy their time, so much as to fit them for
other and varied, mental exercises calculated to relieve the monotony of business life,
and to embellish and improve the hours of leisure^,^
«
^Female educati >n should not be less in extent and variety than that of men,
though the tastes a.nd capacities of pupils may be measurably consulted in giving direction
t6 their studies
".~Dr. Thomas maintains that any teacher who follows the
pursuit for merely mercenary motives is unworthy of it; in this respect teaching is
like preaching.
Ibid,
fo
No teacher is worthy of the charge of the young who has not learned to
588 - p .
f control his own spirit, and to set a good example in all the great moral attributes,
!
\ ana especially in that strict justice, any departure from which is so easily and instantA1
I1 ly recognized by the keen and observing mind of the young. *
^•^•nrTTbcfcrQ-auuiiL
At the meeting of the Board on'the evening of 12th. Month 5 , 1865, after
I
. ,,,
- .
the^meeting of the Corporation\flmt
Vtfaat afternoon^ a c<
committee of five (John D . Hicks,
Clement Biddle, Helen G . Longstreth, Rachel T . Jackson and Hannah W . Haycock) was
appointed "an Advisory Committee to confer with the President in relation to the organization of the School & College and to assist him in the preliminary stepjjtoward the
appointment of Teachers, Professors, & other officers."
The first presidential report, that of D r . Edward Parrish presented to the
\ /nzl JfUvo
Board and the Corporation irt\Doodmbojs> 1865, is missing from the long series; but it
may be assumed that its salient points appeared in the report of the Board to the Corporation, in 1865, and in the matters taken up by the Board in 1865 - 66, to which it
was
referred.
( ^ f v ^ ^ ^ t c L A
I SL 6'
At its meeting on 12th. Month 4, 1865, the Board considered the proposition
to apportion its members "with reference to their terms of service expiring according
to the requirements of the Constitution", and appointed a committee of six (Edward
Hoopes, Samuel billets, B . Rush Roberts, H e l e n G . Longstreth, Eliza H . Bell and Rebecca
Turner) to recommend the appofefcment.
At its meeting the next day, the Board approved
the committee's recommendation that on 12th. Month 5, 1865, should expire the terms of
the following members: William Dorsey, Hugh Mc Ilvain, Helen G . Longstreth, Samuel
B-3
fillets, Lydia S. Haviland, Ann S. Dudley, Levi K . Brown, and Jane I.yTownsend.
The
Corporation, at ir.s meeting the same day, reelected for a term of three years all of
these except Lydia Haviland, Levi Brown and Jane Townsend.
To take the places of the
last three, the Corporation elected Phebe C. Wright, Benjamin Hallowell and Ellen Riley.
In 5th. Month, 1866, Phebe 7/right requested to be released from service, and the Board
ft
appointed Lydia A . Lockwood in her stead. The Board for 1865 - 66 included all its
J^jreftds' -InteHrigcncerr fful. 3 5 , P p . 7 5 — - A .
ff - ?
H e r
address is given ih the minutes as 21 Concord St., Brookljn^.
other members for 1864 - 65, divided into two and three year terms.
The Board's chief task in 1866 was to commence building operations.
The
Puilaing Committee appointed in 5th. Month, 1865, was reappointed in 12th. Month,1865,
as follows: Hugh Mcllvain, Edward Hoopes, Ellwood Burdsall, Gerard H . Reese and Edward
Parrish.
It continued its work, and at the next meeting of the Board, on 5th. Month,
10, 1866, presented the following report:
-^The Committee have employed the architects Sloan Sc Button to draw enlarged
working plans of the building & to make out specifications and to have the supervision
; of the contracts and, as occasion may require, of the work.
Their compensation for the
: whole is to be $1500, which is much below the ordinary fee.
:
'"'The Committee have contracted with Thomas Seabrook to furnish all the build-
j ing stone required at $2.25 per perch, delivered at the building, dimension stone
; measuring 5 cubic feet and less at 50 cents a cubic foot and that measuring more at
30 cents a cubic foot.
The building stone to be measured in the wall.
The estimated
cost of the whole being $13,974.50.
^ o r the excavation we have contracted with William Mc Laughlin at 27^ cents
a cubic yard, and subsequently agreed to pay him 10 cents additional for every load of
sand^taken out of the cellar and delivered in separate heaps for the use of the masons
to be estimated in the orooortion of one load of sand to two perches of stone in the
*
wall.
*
The estimated cost of the excavation is $3,000 (actual cost $2,236.50).
^ T h e contract for laying the stone & brick was entered into with George Demar
for $27,490 including scaffolding.
contract was entered into with Adams & Curren for the required windowframes.
We regret to add that owing to a calamatous fire, there were sixty-five finish-
ed window-frames, and materials for 106 more burned, which will fall heavily on the contractors.
#The Committee have purchased sufficient hemlock joist of Powell & Drayton
^ T L - These words in parentheses are written in lead pencil.
and. Bunting & Parker for the West Wing and one car load of white pine hoards for
the sheds &c from first hand at prices delivered at the building lower than they expected to, early in the spring.
have contracted for 600,000 bricks to be made on the premises in the
lot south of the Sail Road by Murther & brother at $8.50 per thousand, delivered at the
point required.
This number will not be sufficient but any further supply is subject
to further contracts.
*Two wells have been dug in the vicinity of the building 22 & 24 feet deep,
respectively, which give sufficient water for present purposes.
'•Plans & estimates for a dam on the Creek with necessary water wheels, pumps
&c to furnish a supply of sp-lng water for future use in the Institution are now under
examination by the Committee, but if the wells give a sufficient supply for erecting the
buildings it is not deemed desirable to contract for the water works this season.
We
have made arrangements with Thomas Riley to supply the necessary lime for
the building at 26f cents per bushel, to be reduced or raised according to the price of
coal.
•'•The Committee labors under groat disadvahtage for want of suitable conveniences to board and lodge the superintendent and head-contractors and would suggest
the building of a suitable house for them which may be used hereafter as a farm house.
regret to inform the Board that our colleague Edward Hoopes, an active &
judicious member of the Committee lias been compelled by ill health to absent himself
for a few months in foreign travel.
-^Signed -
Hugh Mc Ilvain, Chairman.*
The above report was "read and accepted" by the Board, which decided to refer
"the proposal to build a house which may be used hereafter as a farm house" to the
Building Committee and the Committee on Property, "with power to act." "Q"--'"^ ^ ^ ^ ' /•!
jft. ^
ft,
°
The S p e c i f i c a t i o n s for the Erection of Swarthmore College Building, Delaware
County, P a w e r e published in a small pamphlet, bearing this title, and containing
ft
twelve p a g e s .
It states the dimensions of the centre building, the two wings, the
return wings, and an extension for the kitchen in the rear of the centre building.
Two towers, on the inner flanks at the rear of the two return wings, and rising to
four stories in height, were to be "arranged for the water cistern."
"The centre build-
ing will be surmounted with a dome, and the ends with cupolas at the junction of the
roofs of the wings."
A cellar, eight feet deep in the clear, would be excavated beneath
the entire building
Coal and ice vaults appear beside the kitchen.
To insure per-
fection in the stone and mason work, "a sample delivered on the ground, and retained for
that purpose", was provided.
The rubble-faced work and the axed w o r k , the brick, the
mortar, the pointing, the furring strips, the carpentry w o r k , the slating are specified in much detail.
Great pains were taken with the roof,flues, stairways, division
walls and iron sliding-doors, as precautions against f i r e . ^ ^ T o u r iron columns will be
required in the dining-room £to surinort the large "collection-hall"above it^s. of neat
pattern, with cap and b a s e , and about eight inches in diameter, fluted, and supported
on piers built in the cellar, capped with a block of stone dressed to a perfect bed
to receive the base. - - - The front doors to the center building will be folding,2|VTV
inchef- thick, double thickness, screwed together and parareled, with large mouldings
on the outer face, and bead and butt on the inner, hung with 5 x 5
inch butts, three to
each door, and secured with a seven inch upright mortise rebate lock, and two iron plate
flush b o l t s .
The frame will be cased in the wall, and made with head-light over it."*-
>The dressings of the doors, windows, lecture-room, dining and carving room, kitchen,
and wash-rooms, are specified in simple, substantial detail.
Above the three regular
stories, "attic rooms will be finished in the return wings for dormitories, baggage
rooms, and infirmary, with flights of stairs continued u p . - - - Plastering, Painting,
1 — It was printed by Merrihew & Son, 243 Arch St., Philadelphia, in 1865, and bore on
its title-page the names and addresses of the five members of the Building Committee,
"to whom all communicat ions should be addressed", - and the name of the firm of archi
tects: "Sloan & Hutton, 152 South Fourth Street."
This cellar has been of great use in later, more crowded years, in providing for
the college post-office, book-shop, and storage rooms.
Glazing, Plumbing, &c., will "be provided for in future specifications,"
Thus ends the pamphlet of Specifications for 1366. It was probably prepared
for distribution at the time of the laying of the corner-stone which the Building Committee, apparently, arranged for on 5th. Month 1 0 , 1866.
The minutes of the Board's
meeting held on that date proudly or gratefully begin: "At a meeting of the Board of
Managers of Swarthmore College held on the evening [probably in
1
th
house, as usual] of 10
of Fifth Month 1366.
Race
Street Meeting-
/
/Present 20 members all of whom had
been witnesses to the laying of the Corner Stone of the College building in the afternoon."
The progress of the building operations during the Spring of 1366 was recorded
in an editorial notice in the Intelligencer for 4 t h . Month 2 8 , 1865, which reads as
, follows: ^ ^ 3 w a r ; h m o r e College. - We are glad to inform the numerous inquirers in regard
j to the progress of this concern that the building has been commenced, and will be pushed
; forward during the coming summer and autumn with a view to getting it under roof before
w*
the next ^inter fairly sets in.
The digging of the cellar, quarrying, hauling and lay-
ing the stone, the making and laying of the bricks, and the making of the necessary
window-frames, have all been contracted for, at prices rather under than over the estimates.
At the present enhanced prices of lumber, the building committee have thought
it prudent to postpone the purchase of this material until it is absolutely required
by the progress of the building.
**$ome Friends have thought it -unwise to enter upon this work until the funds
, should be in hand to finish it; but the demand from all sources for the speedy supply
of the educational facilities, which it is designed to furnish, and the general promise
1
that when the work is begun and the funds for its completion are needed, they will be
subscribed, have induced the managers to proceed as far as the money at their disposal,
will allow.
the meantime, the Committee appointed at the Annual Meeting, to solicit
subscriptions are laboring to accomplish their part of the work, confining themselves
|
j
I
especially to the city of Philadelphia.
'
- Vol.
p. 120.
3an:;
They propose, however, to extend their labors
tee*
Xtylfs
1
to Ne " York and other sections of the country, throughout the current year, so that,
if successful, the year 1367/nay see the completion of the buildings and the organize.tion of the School.-' L
Tiie
^
^
^
^
_ ^
^
f*LMn
y g
Intelligencer also gave an account in its issue for 5th. Month 19,1866,
of the laying of the corner-stone, extracts from which are as follows:^Swarthmore
| College Building. - The Northeast Corner-Stone of this edifice was laid on the 10th.
inst.
Under the genial influence of a clear bright sky, a company of about 400 assem-
bled to witness this important event.
Seats had been arranged for the accommodation of
jWJ,
part of the audience, and the meeting was opened by Samuel Willits^ of Hew York, who
was probably the senior member of the Board of Managers present.
It was stated that
letters had been received from several of our Friends, among whom were Edward H.McGill
of the Boston Latin School, Mary S. Lippincott, Sarah Hunt and others.
Time did not
admit of the reading of all the letters, but we were informed of their purport; one
from Samuel M . Janney was read,
.- ~ "
^"Ihis was followed by an appropriate and interesting address from the president, Edward Parrish, some extracts from which will be found in another part of our
paper,
* A zinc box was then produced, into which were deposited many memorials of
the present time, viz: - An impression of the seal of the institution, a piece of wood
taken from the meeting house built by George F o x , a sprig of evergreen also from Swarthmore preserved in a hermetically sealed glass bottle, a photograph of the original plan
of the building, abandoned on account of the expense, the first pamphlet in repard to
the concern by Benjamin Hallowell/ the first subscription paper and the various circulars that have been issued, the silver coins of the United States, postage currency, and
stamps, a copy of Friends' Intelligencer and many of the leading papess ofthe day, photo;
graphs and autographs of the
cles contributed impromptu.
On
the addresses di
delivered
Managers, and many other Friends, and a few additional artiThe box was then tightly sealed and consigned to the place
pageJ 1 7 ^ 7 2 , t h e T ^ T T i g e n c e r
p r i n T ^ T T ^ Z T " — ^ ^
i£®S£S£ Printed extracts from
by D r . Parrish and Dr. Thomas.
f f ^ Z ^
^/f/^ j
244 - 1 .
The author of this statement in the Intelligencer, as of so many similar
ones, was doubtless Dr. Parrish.
How that the site of the new college had been
purchased and the building operations actually begun, the new president decided to
remove with his family to its immediate^proximity-.
Accordingly, on the 15thy of
February^ 1856, he leased a summer home near Swarthmore and sometime in May of that
, year settled in it.
The following note in his diary tells the story: ^>2/15. This day
| rented of John Ogden of Oakdale Delaware Co a house about 1
miles from ^Swarthmore
I grounds) \ i t h garden & stable for $150 a year with privilege of two years if none of
j his own family require it.
Bro Sam joins me in it.
We are to repair & paint in the
| house as far as required & J.0, is to put the road & fences in repair.
place, small & tuipretending but none the worse for that.
It is an old
Rent to commence 5/l.
We
: mean to keep a horse & a cow and to raise our own peas, beans, beets, lettuce & perhaps
' celery."
These advantages of a country life, besides the proximity of Swarthmore, were
probably emphasized by the "rumors or rather anticipations of the cholera approaching"
Philadelphia, which Dr. Parrish noted as being rife, on February 15; and two days later,
he records: "The cattle plague is said to have appeared in Montgomery Co Pa."
A cow
of one's own was evidently a desideratum in a family of children during those parlous
days. *
— » T h e rumor of the cholera's approach was verified in Dr. Parrish's note of
April 23, which reads: "Two ships have arrived on our shores with cases of cholera
on board, both placed on severe quarantine regulations.
Great apprehensions of a
general prevalence of this epidemic, lead to sanitary precautions in all the cities."
The eldest son, "Tom", who was then in his twentieth year ("an enterprizing
& good fellow"), procured in March "a good opening in the coal business in N.Y. with
,
Walker Bros. - - - His compensation will not pay his expenses in that most expensive ^
s
^
UL
*
A-L,
244 - Id
place", his father writes; "hoard $12 to $15 a week; "but I am quite willing to go
to any necessary expense within m y means to open the way for his successful entry
into business."
Tom was reported by his father, six weeks later, as "getting along
satisfactorily - - - ; he has already made some considerable sales of coal, earning
more than his salary."
It was probably this encouraging circumstance which was partly
responsible for the fact recorded in his father's diary under date of 11 mo 4.1866
as follows: "Our oldest b o y , Tom, has engaged himself to b e married to Fanny Cavender
la granddaughter of Lucretia MotlQ - a match every way approved - He is not yet making
d
even a living for himself, however."
Business in New York proved very yjull for Tom
in the winter of 1866 - 67: "He has hardly made anything as yet - could not expect to
till spring.
Keeps in good heart - hopes & works both."
He stuck it out^until'May^
1867, and then returned to Philadelphia to sell c o a l \ # w a commission of 8 cents a ton.
D r . Parrish himself entered at the same time upon a new business venture,
as noted in his diary under date of March 6 , 1866, as follows: "Signed a lease this
day to T . Wells
& C o . of the wharf in West Philadelphia, for five years at $1800
per annum, they axe to fill up the dock on the South, improve & raise the front &
make their own repairs.
After paying the interest of grd rent & taxes, Bro
estate & myself will have about $800 each from this rent."
His activities in connection with the College of Pharmacy were not relinquished in consequence
Parrioh becoming Swarthmore's president.
One evidence
of this is in a note of his diary dated 3/4.66 j^wsHreadj-tsg as follows: "W
111
Procter
has announced his intention to resign the professorship of Pharmacy in our College.
This seems an opening for John Maisch & may end in our pursuing some of our plans for
editorial work together - a Universal Pharmacopaeia
W e also aim to get up a
practical laboratory and school in the college building and are raising a fund of
$10,000 for the ourpose.
I believe I was the first to advocate this & ho-oe to see
r«r j
" 1
it accomplished this year."
/L.% if. )-f- - 3 ^J
On the 1st. of M s y ^ 1866, D r . Parrish notes that J . M . Maisch was unanimously
elected "Professor of pharmacy in our College."
244 - Id
One year later, 2/2,7/67, D r . Parrish writes : ^ H a v e had a talk with
H . C. L e a , my publisher, we conclude it will hardly pay to revise "parrish's Pharmacy"
this year.
The plates have cost a great deal of money and yet while we print from
them we can keep the price down to $5.00 which is relatively cheeper than most of the
booj^fr printed since the advance in prices - If another edition was printed now it
would have to be advanced to say $6.00 or $7.50 - There is not a great deal to alter
or add & probably we shall use the plates till a new Pharmacopoea is issued.^
241J-
if-
The "beginning of "building operations at Swarthmore and the somewhat discouraging task of raising funds were noted by Dr. Parrish^under date of 4/8/1866 as follows:
"Commenced digging the cellar at Swarthmore about 2 weeks ago - Since found it best to
remove the site 50 feet to the rear.
Two wells dug, both gone down to water.
Rather
discouraged in raising funds - A great many wealthy friends have it in consideration They want a long time to consider when their pocket is concerned.
Those in moderate
circumstances may yet have to carry out this great improvement."
It was perhaps this temporary discouragement which was partly responsible
for the plan referred to in his dia.ry under the same date as follows: ^^L thought of
offering to go as U . S. Commissioner (one of 10 at $1,000 each) to the Paris Exposition
of the Industry of all Nations, but a ^ d e t e r r e d by two considerations.
1 The President
has gone over to the Pro Slavery party & would not favor such as I am.
2 Dr R . E .
Rogers of our City is a candidate."
President Parrish's attitude towards President
Johnson, referred to in his first reason above^is elucidated by the item (also dated
April 8 , 1866): "On the 6" the U S Senate by a 2/3 vote passed 'The Civil Rights bill'
over the President's veto.
The House will probably do the same.
element is again thoroughly aroused.
The pro slavery
There is even treasonable talk in public places.
i
Slavery dies hard."
Instead of going to Paris, therefore, Dr. Parrish spent the summer of 1866
at his country home in Delaware County where, he says, "we have had a most delightful
summer.
Margaret is better in health than in the spring.
I never was better."
Finally, on 11 mo 4 . 1866, he writes: "Just returned to the city & ensconced in our
comfortable rooms at Sarah Antrim's 1015 Cherry.
our friends.
It is nice to be back again among
A great many cordial handshakes this morning at meeting."
1SK,
j prepared for it in the granite rock.
i
|
1
s»
With a solemn feeling w e watched the closing
j of the case whose opening none of us should see , hut generations yet uhborn, when this
| edifice shall have fulfilled its object arid crumbled into dust, may look with curiosity
; and instruction upon these types of a departed a g e , and from their contemplation learn
a lesson of humility.
When the company had resumed their seats, D r . Thomas, of Phil-
^
adelphia, delivered a brief and interesting address, which will be found in another
^
column.
T?
*%fter further remarks by W m . C . Biddle and others, a solemn silence succeed-
ed and though no vocal prayer was uttered, yet desires were raised in many hearts that
the Divine blessing might prosper this weighty and important undertaking.
>
lA
j
i
When the
company separated, a short time was spent in rambling through the woods, in viewing the
building preparations, and in enjoying the beautiful prospect from the College location.
1
• All appeared well satisfied with the day's duty and enjoyment. ^
M
%
In the second edition of his -^Essay on Education*.
D r . Parrish appended an
account of the "Proceedings on the Occasion of Laying the Corner-Stone of Swarthmore
College, on the 10th. of Fifth Month, 1866, Published by Direction of the Board of
10%,
Managers of the Corporation."
This account, by the first president, of the first pubTP
lie celebration of a college event at Swarthmore was as follows: •*The Opening. - On
; fifth day afternoon, the tenth of fifth month, 1866, under a clear sky, and surrounded
! by a genial atmosphere, a company assembled on the grounds of Swarthmore College to
commemorate the laying of the corner-stone of the structure about to be erected.
Of
>
those thus collected some were from New York and its vicinity, some from New Jersey,
ciaxxy <
a.
from Baltimore,
andand
many
from Philadelphia
a,nd the
surrounding
country,
thefewcounties
of Delaware
Chester.
On a commodious
platform
erected
at the especially
easi
tern- ^is
most corner of the foundations of the center building, the company were seated, or s t a n d - ^
ing in groups, when the meeting was called to order by Samuel f i l l e t s , of New York, who
Philadelphia, J.B.Lippincott & C o . , 1866,
23 p a g e s .
s
J had "been selected to preside.
I
LETTERS RECEIVED.
^Edward Parrish, President of the College, prod\iced several letters received
by hiri. from individuals invited to be present, among whom were Mary S . Lippincott,
and Sarah Hunt, Moorestown, New Jersey; D r . Thomas H . Kirkbride^of the Pennsylvania
Hospital for the Insane; Samuel M . Janney, of Loudon County, Virginia; and Edward H .
Magill, of the Boston Public Latin School, all expressive of regret at the necessity
of being absent.
Portions of these were read, and the following are selected for
publication;
^ F r o a Samuel M . Janney, dated Lincoln, V a . ,
5 t h . M o . 6 , 186ft.
(^Edward Parrish,
President of Swarthmore College.
^ M y dear Friend:
s^Last evening I received thy kind letter, with a card of invitation to attend the laying of the corner-stone of the College edifice.
regret that I cannot be present on that interesting occasion;
but my heart is with you in the cause of education, which the College is intended to
promote.
I trust that the institution will be founded on the inimitable principles of
tr ^th and love, and that it will be a blessing to the youth of our Society, a.nd others
who may share its benefits, not only in our day, but in future generations.
The improvement of the talents conferred by a bountiful Creator
is a duty incumbent upon all, and in rearing the superstructure of knowledge eahh generation must avail itself of the labors and discoveries of its predecessors.
When we look
over our widely extended country and behold the products of art and industry in the form
of cities and cultivated farms, in manufactures, railribads, canals, and telegraphs, we
are (
1
0 3. - A letter lias been since received from J.P.Wickersham, Principal of the State Normal
^Jl^tA. at Millersville, Pennsylvania., and president of the American Teachers' Association,
regretting
his unexpected absence, which arose from circumstances beyond his control
e
U j
£L
,°
Stomas ChPse of Havgrford - College, w h o , through an accid e n
t ,
not
receive
an
i n v i t a t i o h t o aYtena until too"late, but expressed cordial
B h e
t h e SU
C
S
fS°^
"
2 ? I
the enterprise, and desires that the cause of sound
that the treasures of literature and science are far more valuable and enduring,
for in these are contained the elements of all improvemert in the arts that minister
to individual comfort or national greatness.
"••"In view of these magnificent results, we are ready to exclaim, in the language of the poet,
—
•What cannot art and industry perform
When science plans the progress of their toil.'
* ' It is the purpose of our higher schools and colleges to place within the
reach of the student the stores of knowledge accumulated ly the wise and good of former
ages, and to assist in developing the intellectual powers and
moral
principles.
In
executing this great trust, the teacher of youth should ever remember that the development of the intellect, though highly important, is of far less value than the cultivation of moral excellence, and tha.t the benign principles of Christianity can alone
secure happiness here and prepare the soul for eternal felicity hereafter.
^ W i t h sincere desires for the success of the i n s t i t u t i o n . ^ ^
,
"
\
rr
\
^
Prom Edward H . Hagill, dated Boston,
C J
J r?
' /
5 th M o . 3 , 1866.
/
•
-y^t
would be an event to look back upon with great satisfaction all my life
long flf I could enjoy the privilege of taking part in these ceremonies, which are to
I
constitute the first public step in one of the greatest educational works yet undertakeh, I will not say by Friends alone, but in this country.
Is that too much to say?
If it seems extravagant now, the results, in time to come, will prove the reasonableness
of my words to-day.
I see in this work the inception of a movement which is to p r o v e ,
wtyat has never yet been fully proven, although tried to some extent, that it is feasible
i
e
and desirable tv give to woman equal educational ^aciliti^s with m a n , not in the earlier
stages of education merely, but to carry them together, pari p a s s u , to the heights
of literature and science, and to prepare them alike to use to the best advantage,
to themselves and the world, the talents with which they are endowed.
How appropriate^
jthat the movement should take place among F r i e n d s , who recognize more fullj_than-others
/to-/U- yj^-a^X
vjfc /uL.
A^&L.
/CrvA^v,-^^^
}
ies-=—8-
theVquality of the sexes, and among whom it is not considered 'a shame for a woman to
uspeak in the church.'
"When I reflect ^ p o n the great advance in public sentiment in
this regard during the present century, that here in Boston, which claims, justly or
unjustly, to be the fountain-head of progress in educational, as in other matters,
it was not deemed nececsar^ to give girls the benefit of public school instruction
till 1780, that from 1780 until 1820 they were allowed to occupy in the grammar schools
the vacant seats of the boys in summer only, and that until 1852 no high school for
girls was established here, except one v/hich lived for but two years, but which was
suppressed as an unnecessary expenditure of the public money^. by the efforts of Mayor
CJuincy; when I reflect, I say, upon these changes, I can but feel encouraged to hope
that another half century will see e^ery college in our co\mtry accessible to both
sexes alike.
I say a half century, that I may be wholly within the limit of proba^-
bility; I wish I could reasonably say less, but I know too well the conservative tendency of old-established, literary institutions.
As creeds are but dead beliefs,
named, numbered, and labeled, so it is too true of our great universities, that they
are the sacred depositaries of the ideas of former generations instead of organized
bodies of learned men adapting themselves readily to the progress of the r a c e ^
us hope that in the future Swarthmore College will not b e allowed to
turn aside from the course marked out for it, thus early, by its far-sighted and beneficent originators, as an institution for general and. liberal culture, and become a
mere practical school, so called, for the preparation for the special duties of life.
It must not be allowed to male one-sided men and women, cultivating only such facilities
as
are already, perhaps, too prominent, and need repression instead of cultivation; but
u uau. sum geuei-uiis uux ture its course of studies should be so arranged as to provide a broad and generous culture
for all, whatever their career in life may be destined to b e . J s & L — — .
*That special training for a particular occupation or profession is essential,
we certainly all admit; but do not let us encourage the strong bias of the present
generation toward materialistic views by admitting, either by word, or deed, that educa-
J^The result of this mingling of the sexes upon the scholarship of our
colleges cannot he prejudicial, and I feel confident that it will have an opposite
effect; while the influence of such a change upon the morals and manners of the young
men must be highly advantageous.
In this great work of popularizing education, in the
truest sense of that word, I trust Swarthmore is destined to take the lead.
regret to learn that some Friends who have the means to place this College
at once upon a firm foundation are lukewarm and inactive in this movement.
Do they
not see that the time has fully come when such an institution among Friends is demanded by the advancing spirit of the age?
Would they see the best minds in the
Society gradually alienated from it by seeking outside of its limits that culture which
they cannot obtain within its fold?
Do they not know that it is inevitable, if young
Friends obtain their education among others, that they should very frequently become
estranged from the principles and practices of the Society, and attach themselves to
other religious organizations?
Such has been the cas6 in the past, to a greater or less
extent, and it must be increasingly so in the future, as the demand increases for that
culture which Friends are not in a condition to give.
How many there are with growing
families who would gladly keep their children wholly Tinder the influence of Friends,
but who wish to give them a more comprehensive education and a more liberal culture
than can at present be obtained in the Society!
^
graduate of Harvard recently died in Boston at an advanced age, leaving
a large estate to be divided among his children.
$5000 to his Alma Mater.
Among other bequests was one of
This having been mentioned as an act of generosity worthy of
imitation, a writer in one of our dailies has recently shown very clearly that it was
e
scarcely more than simply honesty, for it
was but the partial payment of a debt which
was justly due to an institution which, at a trifling expense to himself, ^ a v e him
that for which money could be no adequate return, and by four years of careful training,
laid, the sure foundation for &is future career of success and usefulness in this com-
100- - b
munity.
One of his sons, at least, has since acknowledged the justice of the claim
by adding $20,000 to the benefaction of his father.
*Cannot those Friends who are blessed with an abundance of this world's
goods be made to feel that, if they value the Society of their fathers, and esteem it
a privilege above all price that their lot has been cast where they could enjoy the
communion of kindred spirits in that Society, it is a sacred duty which they owe to the
rising generation to see that ample and sure provision is made for the continuance of
this privilege unimpaired to them during the period devoted to acquiring an education?
need scarcely remind you, as you are laying the corner-stone of the College
building, that, noble as will be the structure of stone and brick and m&rtar piled upon
it, it is not the building which the College occupies that is to give it character, as
compared with other institutions of learning.
corner-stone, you firmly resolve that you —
If, as you lay the solid granite of its
its founders —
will never rest satisfied,
or feel that your work is accomplished, while, in respect to the organization, to the
arrangement of the course of study, or to aught that goes to make up the real and not
the merely material college, anything remains undone which untiring energy and perseverance on your part can accomplish, then indeed will this significant act be no useless
i form."*
|
*Prhe most zealous advocates for a 'limited education' admit that the prelim-
| inary course of instruction should be the same for all.
Of course, the question
j arises, where this general preliminary education should end and special education
I commence?
I trust that in this regard we do not intend to imitate, in the new
1 College, the example of those who ignore whatever does not bear very directly upon the
I
\ practical duties of life.*
I
p z ^ ^ ? -
^
f )
JL y-1
] tion is valuable only as it tends, directly or indirectly, toward the production of
i
"U"*
| creature comforts, the accumulation of wealth, or the promotion of our individual or
national outward prosperity. a
* fijUuLb] s-—•A^^QAJLJ^ ^r-^t
y^tujA-
f
anticipate a bright future for Swarthmore, confidently believing that some ^
w
"pfMiswiTl live to see the day when our new College will compare favorably with the best
Ln the land, nobly pursuing an independent course, yet not disdaining to imitate the
xcellences of all, while scrupulously avoiding t h e y defects and errors?*
—
^
^ AADDRESS
D D R E S S OF EDWARE
E ^ r T RPARRISH
SRISH^
whole will be threa stories IffiL;
K
mahnted oy an o
r v M o r y > v f r o m vrhi ch
i.nf/
tnkeNq^n an e£t endecKpanor^ia. of
^M^L Xj-U
relawai\£ County, w:
Qounti/es of Glouce, ;ter and
wkty the broad
villages/*>bile tin
f e r t i l ^ ^ r m s , bus,
sn, in II
^skirt /the horrs
erse,
Shipping interveningT
:,
»»
»
in the eai
•
3®Tn accordance with a time-honored custom, we propose to deposit in this most
eastern corner of the center building a corner-stone, containing a. receptacle, to be
tightly inclosed, in which we shall place fitting memorials of the times in which we
live, to the end that wheat centuries her.ce, these massive walls shall be demolished or
?
rebuilt, the antiquarian who with eager curiosity shall explore our work, shall find
something to add to that chain of facts by which men instinctively love to trace the progress of the ages.
Before these walls shall have crumbled, every one of u s , with our
plans of domestic enjoyment and of personal aggrandizement, all our family and social
interests and concernments, will be forgotten.
The absorbing political questions which
now so tax the mind of the nation will then have been solved by the lapse of time.
No
one living can predict, except with the eye of faith, that future which shall become the
present before the tokens which we now deposit are removed.
*»It may teach us a lesson of humility to think that even our sectarian theories
and prejudices —
the faiths many and the forms many about which men contend and with
which they build up partitions in society —
are transient, even when con-pared with the
fct-
166——&
1-if-?-/
^3tf)out five years and a half have passed since the inception of the project
which has taken form in Swarthmore College; about two, since we became possessed of
this beautiful site: and now we meet to take the first formal step toward the erection
of the edifice which is to embody our well-considered plans of building.
We begin the
erection on this elevated plateau of a stone structure 348 feet long, consisting of a
center building 60 by 138 feet, and two return wings 44 by 92 feet, connected by intermediate wings 44 by 100 feet.
The whole will be three stories high, and the center
building will be surmounted by an observatory, from which the eye will take in an
extended panorama of Delaware County, with its fertile farms, busy mills, and peaceful
villages, while the Counties of Gloucester and Camden, in Hew Jersey, will skirt the
horizon on the east, with the broad Delaware and its shipping intervening.
<*%ith a view to make this building worthy of the site and the noble object to
which it is to be appropriated, it is designed to be complete in all its arrangements
for the accommodation of the extensive family of inmates and for the illustration of
all the branches of knowledge in which they are to be instructed.
;£The most substantial materials will be used in its construction, the extensive corridors being of brick work to- the roof, which will be of slate, and the five
sections of the building being separated by solid fire-proof divisions, the whole will
constitute a remarkably enduring monument to the far-seeing liberality of its founders."
1 stones and raortar which the stalwar^ mason cements into his solid walls.
®3«!any of the set phrases in which the theologian would confine the universal
:
truths of God will cease to have their present conventional meaning, - some of our most
cherished words will become obsolete, - the finest passages in our literature will
sound quaint to those who in some far distant time will exhume this corner-stone, and
with curious interest seek to lay open its mysteries.
•
(
^ Let none accuse us of personal vanity in depositing our photographs and autographs in this box*, the comments they may elicit from those who next will look upon
them will be harmless to excite our vanity or to wound our self-love; and in transmitting
to posterity the lineaments of some who have shared in this work, we do kut gratify in
• P^^oT'c
our successors what we all recognize as a harmless curiosity in ours elver,. \
^Impressed with the great loss resulting to society from estranging
A
yovoag
men and women from each other during the years that are especially devoted to moral and
intellectual development, we mean to seek after and follow the natural law of social
ar.d domestic intercourse, and to strip their converse as far as possible of any glowing
halo of romance, to clothe it with an investment of friendship and good sense.
^2.
We shall propose a high grade of intellectual attainment for those who
seek our diploma,.
The idea incorporated into the first draft of our plan was that of
an institution in which an education could be obtained equal to that furnished by the
as
result of
the institution,
thisthis
hi;~h
aim is can
essential
be kept
bestthecolleges
in maturity
the land. in THhile
it is obviousyetthat
standard
only beto attained
in view from the very start.^
HjriRtrn^'.i on ir; the art r>f tinonhi
wi 11 bp. nfli»sifiern.tiim, n.nri in frhn f n t m m
a model school will probably bo opened to facilitate tlilt> i m p m Uinb practical branch*-.
has been generally understood among us that the study of those branches of
science pertaining to the physical universe, which have been so rapidly advanced by
modern investigations, and are so wonderfully adapted to develop the intellect and to
Increase our appreciation of the wisdom and goodness of the Creator, will here have a
1*
I
»
|
\
''This occasion marks another step toward the organization of Swarthmore
College, with a full corps of professors and teachers, and complete facilities for
| imparting sound and liberal learning, and it may be thought appropriate that a concise
!
I statement should be given of the educational views which have influenced its originaij
tors.
^Called by the unanimous choice of the Managers, and without my own solicitation, to preside over its organization, I bring to the work one leadihg qualification
of which I am conscious: a thorough conviction of the utility, not to say necessity,
of the establishment of our college, coupled with a high ideal of what such an institu{l
} tion ought to "be.
i
|
I
'"That the result will fall short of this ideal is of course inevitable, but
\ our ideal is not the less valuable that we cannot expect in our time to realize its
! complete attainment.
a,
#1.
We aim to educate the sexes tigether, each wing of our building will be
separately allotted to one or the other, the collecting-room, dining-room, library
and class-rooms are for their joint occupancy.
The grounds will doubtless be in some
degree divided and appropriated for their separate u s e , while in many sports they
will participate together."
4©8
Academical department will necessarily precede the opening of the
college classes, and will probably be a permanent feature of the institution.
The
standard of admission to this will be advanced as opportunity allows, and all the
studies will be adapted to prepare the students for the collegiate course.
'"Instruction in the art of teaching will be a desideratum, and in the
;
future a model school will probably be opened to facilitate this important practical
branch.
^ ^ / " T h e relative importance to be attached in our College to the three main
departments of Mathematics, Language, and Science has already been somewhat discussed
among those interested in its establishment."
5-
% f f
place not yet conceded to them in colleges established before they had reached their
present magnitude and importance.
**Yet I trust none of us will be disposed to undervalue those abstract studies
which are so remarkably adapted to train the reasoning powers, nor language, the study
of which, as a means of mental discipline, has been so long esteemed, and the importance
of which, as an aid to the appreciation and expression of great truths, none will dispute.
* I t is a false idea of education which limits it to any one class of studies
or degrades it to a mere utilitarian b a s i s .
Nothing is deserving the name which does
not enlarge man's nature and fit hira for the enjoyment of elevating thoughts and ideas
out of the range of business.
And yet there is no honorable pursuit in life for which
a man is not better fitted by that accumulation of knowledge, that power of classifying
facts and ideas and of deducing principles from them, which it is the object of a liberal education to impart.
claim a higher mission for Swarthmore College than that of fitting men and
women for business —
it should fit them for life, with all its possibilities.
May those
who shall hereafter guide its destinies be inspired with a love of learning for its own
sake, find for the inestimable advantages it is capable of conferring, and may they never
cease to couple in their system of training the highest intellectual culture with the
development of the moral and religious elements of character.
The leading motive of those who have originated this movement has been
what in the familiar phrase of Friends is called a guarded education.
to give its proper place to that feature of moral training —
Society of Friends —
It is our desire
almost distinctive of the
which rests upon a recognition of the intuitive sense of r'^it and
wrong implanted by the Creator in every rational soul.
This, recognised in its full
force, supersedes much of the religious instruction which is considered essential in most
of the Christian churches.
saving.
With it, the precepts of Christianity become vital and
Without it, they are liable to lead into formality, —
monial faith.
into a verbal and cere-
is impossible to exaggerate the importance of education in its connection with the moral attributes of our nature - born on the confines of two boundless
worlds, a world of infinite joy and a world of immeasurable sorrow, obligations reaching through all eternity attach themselves to the human soul from very infancy.
^ r e a t is the responsibility of the parent who essays to guide the infant
mind in its first efforts to exercise that free agency which is the high prerogative of
• its nature, and scarcely less, that of the teacher who is to pilot the intellect
sets sail into the vast ocean of conflicting thoughts and opinions.
as it
Let both see to it
that through no fault of theirs a cloud shall obscure 'that light which lighteth every
man that cometh into the world.'
'For,' says the wise man,' the commandment is a
lamp, and the law is light, and the reproofs of instruction are the vay of life.'
EContent to spread their principles among all religious sects and civil corfr^
raunities, they have witnessed their partial incorporation into the prevailing sentiment
of most Protestant communities, and their introduction into the civil polity of almost
every State in this vast Union of Commonwealths.
# I s it not cause of general congratulation that here in Delaware County,
within sight of the first landing-place of William Penn in his Province, his successors
in religious comminion should erect a capacious and permanent institution in which the
principles and even the forms to which he was conscientiously bound, and for which he
sacrificed so much of worldly preferment, will obtain favorable consideration and
encouragement?
£ A n institution in which the glorious testimony to a free gospel ministry,
exercised equally by men and women without the necessity of special education, shall be
held up before- the youth whose characters are forming under the influence of teachers
of talent and learning.
In which the inconsistency of war with pure Christianity shall
be made a matter of careful and conscientious examination, to the end that the promised
IQ&
S-
t me remind our fellow-citizens not of the Society of Friends, who from
; interest in the cause of education or from motives of a personal or local character,
ihave given us their presence to-day, that although the Society has long been identified
I with certain testimonies which have led many of its members into peculiarities by
\
jwhich they are known in the community, it is in no offensive sense sectarian; nor
jare Friends propagandists.
^ T h e founders of the Society were among the foremost advocates of the most
I enlarged civil and religious liberty, not for themselves only, but for all; and while
I they have sometimes advocated their views with considerable zeal, they have not aimed
I
| to proselyte to their own peculiar forms and organization.^
£
tee—
j day may be hastened when 'nation shall not lift up a sword against nation, neither
;, shall they learn war any more.'
In which truth and duty shall be set far above
, expediency, and obedience to law be taught as limited only by the paramount obligations
• of conscience.
In which the Christian democracy of early Friends shall be so far
-maintained as to abolish within its domain all precedence founded on birth or riches,
bringing all under the equalizing and elevating influence of intelligence and culture.
•3&S Pennsylvanians, we may well hold up to our children the early history of
this Commonwealth as an illustration of the predominance of moral over physical
force even in conducting the affairs of a State; and as Friends, we may present to their
view the example of a long line of worthy ancestors who illustrated, by consistent
lives, the power of pure morality and Christian principle.
**Oiir efforts to establish and maintain Swarthmore College can only be success's ful by the blessing of Divine Providence; and in proportion as those selected to conduct it seek and obtain this blessing, the College will diffuse an influence for good,
not to those alone who ma- participate directly in its benefits, but to the whole
_
-3.il
: Society of Friends and the community at l a r g e J b u f i b
'y/Lt^ ^{u+Jhsui/
•xLu*.
/ A
TVith Samuel M . Janney, Edward H . Magill and Edward P a r r i s h on the programme
of these corner-stone exercises, three of the most prominent educators ih the Society
participated.
There\won one noteworthy absentees', namely, Benjamin Hallow el 1\ -Ssr
*
*
A
yiad become a member of the Board again for the year 1865^65, but does r.ot appear to
have made the long journey from his Maryland, home to attend any of its meetings.
The
voice or written word of Martha Tyson,fccret*although she was not, like the others, an
MU
educator by profession, was sadly missed on|auspicious mile-stone in the realisation
of her dream.
The themes which the letter-writers and orators of the occasion stressed were
characteristic of their authors, appropriate, and evidently foremost in the interest
iG9
1
t-fh-l
LAYING OF THE CORNER-STONE
the close of this address, a metallic box was produced, into which
were introduced the following articles:
^Silver and copper coins, fractional currency, and postage stamps, of the
current year.
•"Newspapers of Philadelphia and New Yorlp, and of Delaware County, Pennsylvania, Friends' Intelligencer and Friends' Review, and The Children's Friend, West
Chester, Pennsylvania.
R e l i c s of Swarthmore Hall and Meeting-house, near Ulverstone, England, contributed by Samuel Smedley.
^ ' A d d r e s s of Some Members of the Religious Society of Friends to their
Fellow Members on Education,' issued in 1360; 'Education in the Society of Friends,
Past, Present, and Prospective, by Edward Parrish,' 1865; Annual Reports and other
papers issued by the Managers of Swarthmore College.
S u b s c r i p t i o n papers of 1861 and 1866, proof impression of the corporate
seal, and a certificate of stock*
^Photographs of original and present plans of the prospective buildings,
photographs of the Architects, and of the Managers of the College, and numerous other
Friends, countersigned with their respective autographs; also a few additional mememtoes contributed by those present.
^ D h e box was then tightly soldered up and deposited by the Chairman in the
corner-stone, in which an excavation had been made to receive it.
<*%ie corner-stone was then laid in its place in a bed of mortar by George
Diemer, the contractor for the masonry of the building.
lifter the company had resumed their seats, D r . J . Thomas, of Philadelphia,
was introduced, and addressed those assembled as follows:
** REMARKS OF DR. JOSEPH THOMAS.
,,
~
1
1-00 - lar
•"^n the very brief remarks which I propose to offer on the present occasion,
t wish it to be understood, that I am an 'outsider,' and consequently, though I feel a
deep interest in the object which has brought us together, the originators of this
great enterprise are in nowise responsible for anything that I may happen to say.
need scarcely observe that I am far from desiring in any way to strengthen
the barriers which divide the various denominations of Christians, yet so long as there
are different sects, I rejoice that all are to be represented in the great cause of
liberal education.
-fit is doubtless a good and glorious thing for our country, that we have
everywhere elementary schools in which all, even the humblest, may acquire the rudiments of an English education; but what would society be if we had nothing higher than
these?
# I n my opinion, what we Americans have most to fear, is a dead level of
mediocrity in the education of our people.
In the economy of nature it is important
that some portions of the earth's surface should be mdre elevated than the rest; for a
country wholly destitute of mountains or hills can have in itself neither fertility
nor beauty - all the fertility of Egypt is derived through the Nile from the mountains
of central Africa - and I believe the influence of a superior class of educated men
serves to give life and spirit, and efficiency to the knowledge of the masses.
^liany persons seem to suppose that a moderate education, if joined with
good common sense, is sufficient for all the purposes of life.
It may be all that is
needed for ordinary occasions, but not for the higher objects of our existence.
11 is undeniably true, that while education in the United States is perhaps
more generally diffused than in any other part of the world, there are in proportion
to the whole number of our people fewer than in any of the more enlightened countries
! of Europe, including, I might say, France and all the Protestant nations. Hence it has
' sometimes happened that works professedly of a learned or scientific character, but of
-108
Ifc-
i
®
j the merest pretension, have met with great favor even among the most intelligent
j of our people. A single example may suffice.
The principal doctrines of 'Nott
l
i and Gliddon's Types of Mankind' were a few years ago accepted as undoubted truth
; by many of our most intelligent citizens and scientific men, and indeed were so
I accepted by the editor of Putnam's Magazine, one of the most respectAble critical
j journals published in the United States; but I think no instance can be presented of
< a single scientific man or scientific journal of any standing in Europe having been
i taken in by the shallow learning and loose science of the work above named.
f*! trust I shall not be understood as seeking to disparage my country, for I
; am very proud of her, - I admit that she excels in many things; what I desire is that
j she should excel in everything.
-*We ought, I think, to be especially on our guard, that we be not deceived by
I the cry of utility which we hear on every hand.
True, in its largest sense, the useful
may include all that is most desirable for the human ra,ce, but it is too often limited
to merely providing for our physical wants and necessities.
In this sense it excludes
the love of the beautiful and the cultivation of all those sentiments which constitute
the chief glory of man.
Such views if carried out would paralyze or destroy all that
is noblest and most beautiful in the human character; they would in fact reduce the
race of man to the condition of two-legged beavers —
industrious, but nothing more.
animals ingenious, sagacious,
Happily the Creator has given us instincts that render
it impossible for any people to carry such a system of utilitarianism to its ultimate
results, but it may easily be carried much farther than would be consistent with the
highest interest or happiness of mankind.
/*Dhose who pursue science and truth for their own sake, really do far more
to promote the useful in the best sense of the word than those whose sole object begins
and ends with utility.
Does any one suppose that Sir Isaac Newton was influenced by
1 mere considerations of utility when he made his immortal discovery of the laws which
govern the universe?
•
U
1 r\f\
t.
-lUy '1C
|
fl
aa one of those who believe that the importance of education in its
truest and highest sense has never yet been overestimated.
;
i*We should, my friends, I am convinced, commit a great mistake were we to
i
suppose that the influence of such an institution as we are founding to-day will be
s limited to those only or chiefly who shall be educated within its halls.
j contrary, it will extend to the whole community —
to the entire country.
On the
The found-
!ing of such an institution is indeed a distinct and emphatic annunciation to the
:
j world of our belief in the great importance of a high and liberal culture.
It is a
I declaration of eternal war against the realms of ignorance and darkness; it is a pro| clamation to all mankind that we for our part have faith in light and science and.
|
' truth, and do not fear to follow them whithersoever they may lead u s .
*In concluding, I would say that, although an alumnus of next to the oldest
college in the United States, I do not on that account the less sincerely or less cordially wish a God-speed to this young institution, whose existence may be said to
date from to-day.
May its success be complete; may its career be long and glorious;
may it prove to be a true and faithful foster-mother to those committed to its care;
and may it be instrumental in diffusing among its children and others the light, not
only of true learning and science, but, what is of far higher importance, of moral
and religious truth.
^ T R E A S U R E R ' S STATEMENT.
^William Oanby Biddle, Treasurer of the Corporation, followed upon the
pecuniary aspects of the enterprise, inviting a liberal response to the call for
additional funds which would necessarily be made before the work could be complete.
b e s i d e s the subscriptions previously made, amounting to about $65,000, in
sums varying from $25^ to $1000, a special subscription has been started, during the
; past year, of sums of $1000 and upwards, now reaching $35,000, designed to reach an
aggregate of $100,000.
If this can be accomplished, through the liberality of those
100 - ld-
blessed with large meafcs, and a general duplication made of the
original subscrip-
tions and new subscriptions obtained from all interested, according to their means,
a stun will be realized which will enable the Managers to complete the buildings now
commenced, and to furnish and equip them with every facility for the objects in view.
A l t h o u g h this occasioh was not deemed appropriate to enlarge upon this
subject, it was thought due to some now present at one of our meetings for the first
time, that a statement should be made of the financial condition and prospects of the
concern.
THE
CLOSE.
"The importance of this occasion, as inaugurating a work of such magnitude,
and the feeling that it can only prosper through the favor of Omnipotence, led the
company assembled to appropriate a few moments to solemn silence, during which, though
no voice was raised, many hearts were drawn into earnest prayer that the Divine blessing may rest upon Swarthmore College, not only during its incipient stafees, but
throughout all the future that may be before i t . ^
of their auditors.
The veteran Quaker teacher and preacher, Samuel M . Janney,
naturally stressed "the immutable principles of truth and love"^ the superior value
of "the treasures of literature and science" as compared with "the products of art and
industry"^ and the superior value of "moral excellence and the "benign principles of
Christianity" as compared with "the development of the intellect, though highly important."
Dr. Magill's abounding enthusiasm and optimism, his championship of c o e d u c a tion, of the liberal financial support of education by Friends, and of "a liberal"
rather than "a practical" education, foreshadowed the goals towards which he was to
straggle during seventeen years as the second president.
The first president's review
of past progress; his defense of the use of the corner-stone as a receptable for sundry
articles of future interest; his advocacy of co-education, of "a high grade of intellectual attainment", of the study of ^ c i e n c e , S c h e m a t i c s and language; his view of
the mission of Swarthmore not to fit men and women for business, but for "life, with
»
all its possibilities; his definition of "a gi.ia.rded education" as being the training of
the moral attributes of our n a t u r e ^ a n d the inculcation of the Quaker testimonies of "a
free gospel ministry", international peace, obedience to conscience, "the Christian
democracy of early Friends", and an altruistic regard for "the community at large";
'"Jhese familiar Swarthmore characteristics his faith and efforts helped to make familiar
and enduring in the later life of the college.
Dr. Thomas, together with his emphasis on the need of "a high and liberal
culture"^ especially in America, struck one note which may have been prophetic of the
ideal of "the honors system" of sixty years later.
"In my opinion," he said, "what we
Americans have most to fear is a dead level of mediocrity in the education of our people
/C If-- In the I n t e l l i g e n c e ^ for 3rd. Month 30, 1866, ( Y o l ^ ^ . 6 4 ~ ) appeared the following"
advertisement, which is indicative of one of Samuel Janney's preoccupations at this
os
time. "Boarding
School Property For Sale. - The Sprirgdale Boarding School Properfe
£ 9 ? Creek Meeting Bouse. Loudoun Co.,Ya«, is now offered for sale o^'ver
advantageous terms, to any Suitable Friend who will open a Boarding School. It
believed there is now a good opening for a school at this place,both Friends n X
others being desirous to see one established. For particulars aoplv to if SarnieT v
Janney, Lincoln, Loudon Co., Va."
*
V
When this dangeaAwas clearly revealed in the college education of our people, gwarthmore's presidentVafr faculty set ahout, like educational Davids with their slings, to
Qs^trt^
j % L f
- U L>
Now that the first building was being erected, and regular and heavy expenditures were being demanded, the problem of finance pressed insistently to the fore.
The first president had been appointed in 5th. Month, 1865, as has been seen, largely
for "the creation and promotion.of an increased interest in the concern leading to
larger subscriptions to the stock.
the treasurer
11
At the Board's meeting on 12th. Month 4 , 1865,
a
Y
reported that he h a d ^ r e c e i v e d from Gerard H . Reese receive^, of suo-
scriptions i M Baltimore Yearly Meeting $3500, with interest on the same ^$59.90), making
a total of $3559.90; from Clement M . Biddle receiver of subscriptions in Philadelphia
\ Yearly Meeting - Cash $46,638.54, also U . S . Bonds of 18&L (6's) being Amt of donation
!
/Jjt
—
.
j received by him - $10,000 - $56,638.54; from Samuel fillets r e c e i v e ^ of subscriptions
j in Hew York Yearly Meeting, $33, 428.94, making a total amount received to date
!*
\ $93,627.38.
The treasurer also reported at this meeting that he had^^paid on drafts of
( the finance committee for the property $21,445.96
i
!
I
to the committee on property 1,800.00
1
!
for salary
1,000.00
for sundry small drafts
442.01 -
$24,687.97
(labor, printing books &c.)
^ L e a v i n g abalance on hand
C^T-
$68,939.41
William Canby Biddle was treasurer of the college from 12th. Month 2, 1862,
until his resignation on account of ill health 9th. Month 7,1866.
another term as treasurer from 1870 to 1873.
He servdd
I i n v e s t e d as follows - On interest at 6$ with
Samuel Willets, " . Y .
$33,428.94
Edward Hoopes, P h i l a .
25,000.00
U.S.Bonds S$sof 1881
10,000.00
Balance in Bank of ^.America
510.47 -
$68,939.41
T f f h * - ^ " ^ ^ S i ^ r e p o r t was referred to three auditors (Edward Hoopes, John D.Hicks
and G-erard H . Reese), who reported to the Board at its meeting the next day that they
had found it correct.
A Finance Committee (Edward Hoopes, William D . Parrish, Joseph
Powell and I s a a c Stephens) had "been appointed "by the Board in 12th. Month, 1863; and
a year later, this committee (with the exception of William D . Parrish, who had
/oi
died in the interval ) was reappointed and
y i f t ;
1
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^
"
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cent.
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V . Williamson
Esteemed Friend
\
I
On behalf of Swarthmore College and of the large number of
I young people now and prospectively enjoying its advantages, we desire to acknowledge
i thy very liberal and timely contribution of Ten thousand dollars ($10,000) to
! its resources,
is cause of great ©icouragement to those actively
(Snga.ged in the work of building up this School, which we hope in time to make one
of the best in the la,na, that those like thyself blessed with abundant means of
doing good are. led to remember us and to add to the funds at our disposal.
^ A c c e p t , therefore, our Cordial thanks a.nd desires for thy
Hfelfare a&& happiness.
A
"""Subscribed by direction and on behalf
of the Executive Committee of Swarthmore College
EDWARD PARRISH
I1
President of the College .
wvv.
14S- 3L
S ~J
authorised "to draw on the Treasurer for the necessary current expenses of the Corporation."
At the :;arae ti.-ie it was "instructed to procure a. Seal and assist the Treasurer
in the issue of the certificate* of Stock."
Six months later (5th. Month 12,1865), the
A
Finance Committee^ reported that, having procured a seal, they were prepared to issue
certificates of stock;
and they were "authorized upon application of the Treasurer
to direct him in regard to the investment of any unemployed funds."
At the Board's meeting in 12th. Month, 1865, a Finance Committee of three
(William Dorsey, Edward Hoopes and Joseph Powell) was agaih appointed, "with authority
II
to draw on the Treasurer;
and at thfe same meeting, the president was "requested to
apodint a suitable committee to promote subscriptions to the stock, as suggested in
/as
his Her.ort, obtaining their consent & notifying them of their appointment." '
At the
next .ner.ting of the Board on 5th. Month 10, 1866, "a proposition was made & approved to
appropriate $250. for the exnenr.es connected with promotinr subscriptions and the
finance committee is authorized to draw on the Treasurer for not exceeding that amount."
The president -resented at the came meeting a report which included the following para.-raph in reference to finance: "In connection with the members of the committee to solicit subscriptions appointed by direction of the Board, he has been engaged in an effort to increase the subscriptions of 40 shares & upwards, & now reports,
one of 200 shares, one of 80 shares & 3 of 40 shares , also one of 20 shares, one of 4
shares & 2 each of 2 shares, making in all $15,700 since the last meeting.
The subject
has been presented to numerous iuen of moans of whom subscriptions are expected."
The rest of the president's Report to this meeting is omitted in the Board's
minutes; but it probably stressed the financial thoughts presented in his
of~Z ir. 11th. Month (the 18th and 25th) and~12th. Month 2 , 1865, Willi*.: {?. Biddle, the
Treasurer, inserted in the Intelligencer (V"ol?^S2, p p . 584,601,618), a notice "to
subscribers to Swarthmore College that the Certificates of Stock for Subscribers
within the limits of Philadel hia Yearly Meeting are now ready, and will be furnishon application to him at his office, K o . 131 Market St., Philadelphia."
- This committee is called in the margin of the minute the "Canvassing Committee."
0 3 6
.110
^
&
Education,
X f t
which were expressed as follows:ypThere will "be- pressing necessity to
push the subscriptions vigorously to enable the work to go on to speedy completion, but
we are encouraged by the experience of similar institutions to believe that when built,
Swarthmore College will be a nucleus around which much of the benevolence and public
spirit of the Society will gather, —
thct future donations and bequests will enable
the managers to enlarge the facilities for ihstruction at the rarae time that they lower
its cost and extend its blessings to many who would otherwise be deprived of it from
want of means.
^
jrfjuU
^
necessarily postpone to the future the opening of subsc/lotions toward the
establishment of scholarships, giving education and subsistence to meritorious pupils;
toward the creation and augmentation of an ample library, to which valuable contributions of books havr already been promised; toward the collection of a museum of natural
history and art, and the purchase of astronomical apparatus, none of which are included
in our present estimates.
Our aim is to build and open this College with the necessary
means o" instruction as soon as possible.
cannot doubt the abundant, m ans in the Society of Friends to erect and maintain any institution which the interests of their children or of the Society demand.
There is wealth enough.
Some individual members could erect and endow this college withr
out abridging a single comfort of li^e, and there are mpi$ who could well afford subscriptions of such amounts as rapidly to make up the fund required; and it may be safely stated of Friends generally, that there are few who could not afford to take one or
more shares in the stock.
Add to this the assistance proffered by some not in member-
ship, who desire an opportunity of aiding in the good work, and anticipate sharing its
advantages, and we have every reason to expect that success will attend the effort.
^Friends have fewer calls upon their liberality in connection with the support
of their religious institutions than others; they have no clergy to support - no
H Q . - First edition, 1865, f o . 71 - 76.
missionary enterprises - their meeting-houses are plain, and require little expendi| ture - their habits, as individuals, are generally economical - their industry and
i thrift almost proverbial,so that they rarely fail to accumulate property.
It is,
< indeed, in this hatit of accumulation that one of their chief snares lies hidden;
•hahit is second nature,' and it is often hard to unlearn in later life what in youth
was properly held up as a virtue
the habit of saving.
On the other hand, no one
;who has not accustomed himself to it knows the luxury of giving, and especially of
seeing the fruits of his boiuity.
**The uselessness of money to its possessor, except to the exten^ of providing comforts and mrans of rational enjoyment, and its immense value when appropriated
•toward the advancement and happiness of others, are only fully apparent to such as
have learned how to administer their own estates for objects of real utility and beneficence.
May it not be "aid rith truth, that only such realize the fullest enjoyment
fron wealth, or find it promotive of their high-: Ft interests?
is a common observation th't many aen of large m<=>ans have left estates
to purposes of public utility, whose benevolent intentions have been inadequately
carried out by those intrusted with the disposal of their bequests; and. it seems to be
a. growing determination of the benevolent to give, during their lifetime, toward such
C
objects as present the;aselv s in the light of public benefactions, discriminating
according to their own judgment, and themselves sharing in the pleasurable occupation
of appropriating their means.
iPPhe munificent donation of Matthew Vassar for the establishment of a Female
College at poughkeepsie, Rev? York, already amounting to several hundred thousands of
I It
ollars
—
the recent offer of Ezra Cornell, of Ithaca, New York, of half a million
• dollars and about 200 acres of land, for the establishment, with the aid of funds anproj printed
to the State by the U.S. So-"-eminent, of a college to provide instruction in ^ffj.
1
II r
How much Swarthr,ore's founders utilized
an ill UP tr* t i o T a n *
advocacy of their own ideal is indicated by the frequent references in the
I S f - ^ J—i
i
US
///
Continuation of Footnote N o . ^ on
Intelligencer to that college.
X
For example, one month after the laying of Swarthmore's
corner-stone the following "item" appeared
(VoT^S^ p . 271)j "The Vassar Female
College, poughkeepsie, N . Y . , numbers three hundred and fifty-three
\and the remainder in n o a r l / equal lumbers from
West.
3r
scholars^£E553GX».»
England, the Middle States, and the
Nearly half a million of dollars, the gift of one person, has been expended
the grounds, buildinrs, apparatus, etc., of this institution.
instruction occupies four years."
The regular course of
ii-" 5.-4-0
such "branches of learning as are related to agriculture and the mechanical arts; and
the still mire recent offer of a ii^e sum, by Asa packer, a wealthy citizen of Pennsylvania, toward a college to he located in this State, all show an appreciation of the
value of education, and offer noble examples to those who, as stewards over abundance
of this world's goods, must feel the responsibility of giving an account of their
stewardship^.
"^Thile these considerations are respectfully offered to the wealthy, with a
2ordial invitation to consider the claims of Swarthmore College to their liberal contributions and bequests, the writer of this would close his appeal by asking those who,
Like himself, are still struggling toward a competence, to identify themselves with a
novment promising such permanent benefits to the children of the present and future
generations.
Of the money thus far subscribed, much the largest part has come in sub-
scriptions of less than one hundred dollars. The managers look for a general duplication
)f these subscriptions, and ash that every individual interested in the pernetuity of
;he Society of Friends, and in the wealfare of the children growing up under its influence
shall become a stockholder in Swarthmore College —
abundance
(leans
the rich contributing from their
those in moderate circumstances in less amount —
al^lccording to their
to establish what we confidently believe will be a great and obvious blessing
for ages to come.
*kci association embracing the young and old, the farmer and citizen, the rich
ind those in moderate circumstances, the progressive and conservative, interesting all
Ln an institution of real utility and T a c t i c a l advantage, must of itself have an important influence in consoli.dating and perpetuating the Society in whose interest it was or-
ganized, and creating and diffusing a wholesome nubile spirit among its members;**
In his account of the laying of the corner-stone of the first building, on
the 10th. of Fifth Months 185*, president Parrish says:^JKHlliam Canby Biddle, Treasurer
Ibj_d, second edition, 186H, p p .
-^9,
of the Corporation, followed upon the pecuniary aspects of the enterprise, inviting
a liberal response to the calljfor additional funds which would necessarily be made
before the work could be complete,
"Besides the subscriptions previously made, amounting to about $65,000, in
sums varying from $25 to $1000, a. special subscription has been started, during the
:
oast year, of sums of $1000 and upwards, now reaching $3; ,000, designed to reach an
aggregate of $100,000.
If this can be accomplished, through the liberality of those
blessed with large means, and a general duplication made of the original subscriptions
and new subscriptions obtained from all interested, according to their means, a sum
will be realized which will enable the Managers to complete the buildings nor commenced,
and to furnish and equip them with every facility for the objects in view.
^Although this occasion was not deemed appropriate to enlarge u-on this subject, it was thought due to some now r.resent at one of our meetings for the first time,
that a statement should be made of the financial condition and prospects of the
concern.*"
The "Executive Committee'to promote Subscriptions to Swarthmore College;"
the "Committee to appoint & attend Conferences^ designed to create an increased interest leading to Subscriptions to the Stock of Swarthmore College & to assist in raising
local committees for the same purpose"; and the local conferences themselves: these
three agencies continued through 1866 and 186? to be relied upon to assist the financial, labors of the President and committee of the Board.
Joseph M . Traman, J r . , was
the 'aithful clerk year after year of the first^committee.
s
second committee included, for 18^^p"^ Edward Hoopes (Chairman), Dil^ntfn"'
parrish, YJilliaKDorsey, Joseph 'Tha.rton^.franklin S . tfil^on^vl^homas H . Speakm^ni, James
Mott, Thomas H i d g w a y V ^ o s h u a Lippincott, Alan Wood, Charles M . Tayfca^, erfd Isaac H .
Clothier, all of philadeTjH^s, and the following "country Friendsj^lfehlohsJ^ Taylor
~ See his notices in the Intelligencer. yol^gSffiffisB, J ^ .
TXw
s f ^ ^ L
The donations to the college, as distinguished from subscriptions to its
stock, varied from year to y e a r , m o u n t i n g in lP«f to $10,025 (of w h i c h , " n r
-
V
~«r~r"
^ ^
Hiiiiore appc-rs to h-:-ve given $10,000); ir 1 B 6 6 , to $103.10; in lR?.->, to $216
-
*
. '
T
- ,
__
_
,
~
. .
. ~
,
n
to $1,026.00; in 1869, to £3,042.30; in 1870 jj^uly), to $3,083.96; making the
1
totr-l,
fro.r, IF65
1F65 to Jul;.
otrl, fro.;;
Jul;, , 18^0, the relatively large run (as compared with th- stock)
y -
> ^ — » » li »
JJ <
'*
2- Co y
iis——s-
The local cvnferencesj^stinralated "both donations and stock subscriptions;
but during the last years of the l?5Q's the;/ were falling, as has teen seen above,into
infregucncy and desuetude.
In connection with p M l - d e l hia y«arlr M e e t i n g , on 5 t h .
/If
Month 1 3 , 1866
(five cnys after thf: corner-stone laying) a conference was held in R a c e
Street Meeting-houre; but of this re have no a c c o u n t .
A t the time cr Baltimore Yearly
Meeting (10th. Monti .39 to 11th. M o n t h 1 , 1 8 6 5 ) , a. conference was h e l d , the following
//S~
account of which appeared in the Intc11igeneor:
7PDuring the week of the late Yearly
Meet in.' at Baltimore, a large and interesting meeting was held at Lombard Street Meeting-house, on the subject of Education, with special reference to the prospects of
Swarthmore College.
Remarks were made by Samuel V. J a n n e y , Henry H a y d o c k , JB£
min Howell, Edward P a r r i s h , Henry Hallowell, John Cox,
A
Benja-
and others.
ry aspects of the general subject were ably p r e s e n t e d .
The great and
jobvious advantage of a religio is b o d y , holding vital principles fitted to benefit all
nankind, having an institution adapted to cultivate the intellectual powers and develope
jthe talent of its m e m b e r s , so that in the midst of this reading/age it may be at least
fairly represented in the world of letters, was presented, as a leading
consideration.
^ D r a l preaching under the divine influence and direction is indeed a "reat
instrurnentr 1 ity for .good, but it rerches comparatively f e ^ , while books and. r.ublications
go everywhere and. silently, at all timer and in all p l a c e s , to mould the opinions and
fix the or i n d o l e s of those to whose ca~acit" the- are addressed.
f-
Intelligencer, V o l .
fer'ss^
p . 603.
"Ie '"ant hooks esr.ec-
ially for the young, —
books which will inter; st w h i l e they inform the mind and improve
the heart of those who must soon come upon the stage of active l i f e .
^ T h e throe kinds of enjoyment were presented to view: physical
enjoyment,
which :
r
the main object of li 'e hrs a tardency to drrr' de and debase.
Intellectual enjoyment
is elevsting and improving, enlarging our conceptions of the Creator and his w o r k s , and
rendering the mind sensitive to those influences provided in the external universe
for its growth and expansion.
Spiritual enjoyment, which comes from the exercise of our
affections towards Sod and our -"ell or creatures, is the hi/rhest and most enduring, and above
all r-1 se to be sou'ht after and prized.
These three kinds of enjoyment are desirable
each in its appropriate p l a c e , and Society owes it to its members that opportunities are
furnished as far as practicable for their pursuit and realization by a l l .
^ I n commenting upon the Lar-ortfvnce of the cultivation of Science, the circumstances under which strain came to be applied to the mechanic arts were adverted to.
The
philosopher first investigated its properties as affected by the various conditions of
temperature and pressure, and. taught these from the lecturer's desk, before the mechanic
seized. u->on and applied this wonderful agent to his purposes.
As a result of this dis-
covery arid application more than to any other cause, the humblest mechanic in our time
may enjoy comfort and means of improvement, £*reater than those of kings and princes three
hundred •.•tarn a g o .
The discovery of the philosophical fact that a galvanic current
passing round a pie -e of soft iron gave it the properties of a m a g n e t , was the first step
toward the oerfection of those wonderful means of conirurricati >n by which events in the most
distant communities and the thoughts of the most widely separated m e n are now spread w i t h
limhtr.ing speed over the w o r l d .
social influence of institutions of learning was forcibly presented by a
v
Friend who had graduated in Yale C o l l e g e .
He said that wherever he travelled he found
the name 'Yale' a passport to the friendly regard of any one who had ever enjoyed the
•
H9
-Ar-
VG.
' privileges of that ancient College, and he hooed in the future Swarthmore would he a
word of equal charm to its graduates, with the additional advantage that those knit
together by memories of our College would be generally of the same social and religious
training, and would include both sexes, and, in some instances, doubtless, those associated in the nearest relations of life.
^Although no effort was made by the officers of this meeting to obtain the
names of subscribers to the fund for the erection, of the College, we .are informed, that
considerable pecuniary results have already followed from it, and we earnestly wish that
similar conferences might be held throughout the Society, till such interest should be
awakened as would insure an ample fund for the completion and. endowment of Swarthmore
C o l l e g e . * ! h ^ ^ ^ C ^ U
S J L r r U
^
^
I ^ X t L ^
The sentiment in behalf of local, and even family, schools among Friends
persisted during all the years when Swarthmore College was coming slowly into being.
nb
is evident from an article in the Intelligencer,
This
signed by M . A . Calkins, of Farmington,
3T.Y., and entitled "A Mother's Thoughts on Education."
Two of its paragraphs are as
follows: "ftIt seems to me that we as a people suffer much loss from the neglect, so apparent among u s , of organizing and supporting suitable institutions where our children may be
educated apart from the contaminating influences of our District Schools.
I confess
that I deeply feel our need of improvement in this matter, and I doubt not th't all -a.rents are with me who have the moral or spiritual interests of their children at heart.
Till the love we bear our offspring, or the interest we have in society, or the duty we
ore to both, allow us longer to stand inacIive with so vast a field of labor in view!
«
In
the city, new life has sprung up; it is in the country, where friends are scattered
P
abroad t .greater distances from .-sell other, that we suffer.
us?
And is there no remedy for
Must our children be sent hundreds of miles, lerhaps, fr.j . their homes, at an
expense which but few amongst us can bear, or must they be doomed to the alternative ofj^./
269 -
Id
/sue*
Dr. Parrish was probably the author of the above account of the Baltimore
conference; and in his diary under the date of 11 mo 4 . 1866, be makes the following
reference to it and to a visit of exploration to Vassar College:
was at Baltimore
last week to address Friends in Conference on 3rd day evening of Y M week on
Education & Swarthmore affairs.
Will go this week, Margaret accompanying, to Po'keepsie
to visit Vassar College stopping two days at ST. York go on 3rd & return in 6" day so
as to miss no lecture at the College of Pharmacy, where we have a class of 140. - - 11 mo 14. Our visit to U . York was marred by my Margaret having sick headache almost
2 days out of 3 spent under Mary L . Parson's roof.
all.
She did not get to Po'keepsie at
E ^ E d w a r ^ Hoopes, Helen L . jjjongstreth} & I spent one afternoon at Vassar & took
tea with the 320 girls.
President was away.
Very cordially received by the facility
Maria Mitchell lives at the observatory.
&
teachers.
The
She & her father sleep
there & eat at the table of the matron or lady superintendent in the dining hall of the
college.
Maria M . is a person of admirable simplicity of character, very smart &
quite agreeable.
The Matron, Miss Lyman, also pleased us much.
regard Vassar as coming up to their ideal.
None of them seem to
It seems to me they made a mistake in
spending their money quite too freely & before appointing their professors - The
institution is however a splendid monument to its founder - Oh for some princely
Matthew Vassar among u s , though perhaps it is all right that Swarthmore should be
brought forth through much labor & perseverance - Most good things a r e ^
1
1 1 2
*
0
being thrown as it were into the very ar..is of temptntion, turned by the most Effectual
means
from the doors of society out into the allurements and. vanities of a n artful
world, that they may gain their needed intellectual training?
should we not, rrth«r, in vicinities where we are so scattered that
schools cannot well be established u n d e r the immediate supervision of Monthly or Quarterly
Meetings,, institute select or 'family schools?
What though it should cost a little more
time or money or painstaking, should we not be amply rewarded by seeing our dear young people growing uo in innocence and simplicity of spirit, ornaments to society, end preparing
to fill the places of those worthies who are fast passing a".ayI
It is certain that if
re wish our children to be Friends, we must educate them as such; not to sectarianism
—
*
to do~:ias or forms, —
for these of themselves have not the life; yet we wo old have such
examples set, and such influences surrounding them, as should bring into their view, and
s rengthen in them, the pure simplicity of T r u t h , on which real Quakerism is builtr*"
New York Yearly Meeting in M a y ^ 1366^also reflected this sentiment in favor
of Fri.eri.doi schools nearer home than Swarthmore.
At that m e e t i n g , Nine Partners Quarterly
Meeting reported that "this meetin.- has under consideration the subject of establishing a
Boarding School, to be located at O s w e g o , and to ash of the Yearly Meeting a proportion of
the Yearly Meeting's School Fund for that -purpose."
The Committee on the School F o n d ,
to which this request was referred, approved it a n d the Yearly Meeting so ordered; but
the Committee
thfl School T^iad- was apparently so influenced by the progress made at
Swarthmore that it reported, to the Yearly Meeting its unreadiness to recommend a -proposal
of the year before to establish a Boarding School for the entire Yearly M e e t i n g .
Jhh^rjx^..
^tt.jVUv^
S ^ j T i ^ i v v ^ v . ; aL L
Swarthmore was again brought -prominently b e f o r e Friends, o n w i w ^ i s , 1 8 5 6 ,
when tile Philadelphia Friends' Social Lyceum h e l d the third of its annual "Reunions" on
//7
the college property.
The following notice of the event was inserted in the Intelligencer:
TfThe members of Friends' Social Lyceum propose having their Third Annual
1
Reunion' at
Swarthmore, near Westdale JStation, on the Vest Ch rter and. Philadelphia R a i l r o a d ,L on the
7 -
z C p v . 200,215.
""
Mb0
&
% 7 I
16th of Sixth m o n t h , 1 3 6 5 . If unfavorable w i t h e r should prevent the excursion, it will
take place on the succeeding Seventh-day, (6th month 2 3 d , ) at the same h o u r .
/•Delegates hrve been invited from various Literary Associr tions,§na a general
invitation is extended to Friends in the city and country.
4*The ca^r leave Thirty-First and
rkf
S t r e e t r , 'Vest Philadelphia, at 7 . 2 0 ^ ^
(Special Train,) 11 A . M . , and 2.If P.M.; returning, -ill leave Westdale for the city about
?.4C, 5.55, ar.i 8.05 P . M .
Those residing along the line of the Baltimore Central and
',?ert Ohcrter Sailroad rill arrive and depart by the regular trains, —
all of which will
stop at ".Testdale Station on this d a y .
^Excursion tickets may be had of any of the Committee, or at the Depot previous to the departure of the trains, ft Fifty cents each; Children, half p r i c e . Corresponding rates from other points.
/'Literary Exerciser, will be bel3 at 10 A . " , and 3 P . M .
^Clement M . middle, S*09 Commerce St., J . Morgan Cooper, 203 M a r k e t , Jacob M .
Ellis, 325 W a l n u t , Chns. A . D i x o n , 715 M a r k e t , J o s . L . H a n c o c k , 33d above B a r i n g , Henry
Bentley, 3 . E . c o r . Third and Chestnut, Henry C . H a w k i n s , 1024 Chestnut, Reb.T.Buckman,
ff
45 IT. E i g h t h , Howard Gourlcy, 523 II. Seventh, Clemmons P a r r i s h , 800 A r c h , Alfred M o o r e ,
331 1". Sixth, T.H.Speaknan, 26 1". S e v e n t h , J . M . T r u m a n , J r . 717 T a l l o w ,
Committee on Arrangements
//f
The Intelligencer
for 5 t h . Month 3 0 , 1 8 6 6 ,
gave its usual generous space
in its editorial notes to the following account of the occasion: f r i e n d s ' Social L y c e u m .
The Third Annuel 'Reunion of thie Literary Association took place according to apr-ointment
at Swarthmore on the 1 6 t h . inst.
The day was bright and clear, and more than two thous-
and perrons availed themselves of the opportunity thus afforded to spend it u n d e r the
canopy of h e a v e n .
The 9 o'clock (special) train -"rom Philadelphia was heavily freighted
c
with a previous cargo for the station" hear the above mentioned -place, to which they were
? ~ V o l . 2 3 , ?7~264 - 5."
3r3r9~"—6-
quickly conveyed.
e
f
y] y
A s the company wound slowly up the ror a and over the hill through
the grounds to the spot selected for the Literary exercises, many greetings were exchanged, and smiles went forth to eyes that smiled a g a i n , as the new comers were welcomed
"by those who h a d previously a r r i v e d .
^ T h e audience quietly settled near the platform erected for the speakers.
Those who obtained seats had the privilege of hearing much, that was calculated to instruct and inform; hut while the auditorium was u n b o u n d e d , the capacity of the human
voice is limited, yet those who could not h e a r , could enjoy the varied pictures of
beauty and interest which were everywhere presented to the eye.
After the appointment
of Samuel Martin of Kennet Square a s Chairman, a few introductory remarks were made b y
Thomas H . Speakman.
A n original poem was.; then read by. Hplliday J a c k s o n , an oration by
T;Clr-rkson Taylor, an essay by Williaia Henry F a r q u h a r , of Sandy Spring, M d . , and an
address by Henry H o w a r d , interspersed with recitations bp- some of our young friends.
^ T h e company then dispersed for the noon lunch, which was partaken of by the
• : ' i rent groups, near the spring, by the W n a o^ the stream, or such other spot a? taste
or convenience led them to select.
One noteworthy feature of the occasion was the sim-
licity which characterized this part of the day's p r o c e e d i n g s .
hour or two was then soent in strolling through the woods or in lingering by the side of the peaceful stream, shaded with forest trees, and sentinelled in one
t
T
place by rocks rising in rugged beauty many fee* overhead, decorated with the aartidgeb e r r y , f e m e and m o s s e s .
The leafy canopy atove was tenanted with nature's own ausicisns,
end ever and anon was heard the h i g h , clear, rinping notes of the wood-robin and the
softer twitterin ;s of other less melodious b i r d s .
Few with minds properly attuned could
ramble over there scehes without feeling renewed veneration for Hi;::, who .'crowneth the
year with goodness and . lakci: the little hills to rejoice on every side.'
" A m o n g the exerciser of
1
h n afternoon session, was an address on Education
—
by Edward P & r r i s h , followed by essays and recitations.
% n
*
The question, 'Which system of
education is more effective, . — That which aims at a general knowledge of many subjects,
or a thorough hno"'ledge of a. f ev ? • was then spiritedly and interestingly discussed.
•Wliile it gives us pleasure to commend the good order and propriety
observed,
we hope that before another such occasion, the Lyceum will see the necessity of having
a judicious committee of inspection, who shall be careful to admit no recitations antagcnistic to our principles and"festiiaonir-s.
almo't cloudless sIlj' greatly contributed to the day's enjoyment, of
which the paramount charm wat; the kindness and social interest which seemed to animate
ever; h e a r t .
As the "ay -g-ned, one carriage after another
sight be seen slowly leaving
the ground, and each retreating whistle of the locomotive was the signal that some friend
had taken his departure.
Ere nightfall the place which for several hours had blossomed
\Ahfdr
with human thoughts a,nd affections, 'was again left to the undistyi-bu^ed possession of its
o -n na t i v e de n i z e n s .
£ S u e h occasions bring u s in closer sympathy with each other, and cause us
to feel that our and their happiness is increased by the p r o p e r exercise of the social
af f ect ions .^f
JXO
The Intelligencer
published also the essay read by William Henry Farquliar
and the "He-iirhs" of Edward P a r r i s h .
The former ma.de only one reference to the new
college, as follows}7fSo, I think, it in^st ever b e .
outward supply.
The inward demand must precede the
S o , at a time not far distant, shall a noble•and dignified
structure,
worthy of the wise and benevolent purposes to which it will be consecrated, rise up on
the grounds where we stand, a lasting testimony of the deep interest felt by the Society
of Friends in the ^c.use of education; or —
the space left vacant, or covered only with
los and narrow w a l l s , must tell tc the worl<2 a storv which we will not allow ourselves
1-L.n,
X
even to i m a g i n e . ^
y
J
jn t*
t
/Le^/CZu*.
- -
A-
^
A x J L ^ ^ l r y j
^
MTYYu*
^
^-(TWV
^
^
^
-
119 *
8'
.f
T-lf-
President Parrish was
announced to read an "Essay on Education", but said
that he should have preferred a less hackneyed subject.
He did discourse, however,
upon "the eternal war between ignorance and knowledge", illustrating it by references
to the recent Civil War and various other events in the historic past, and using it to
emphasize the need of "a liberal education."
His concluding paragraph, which was the
closest reference he made to Swarthmore College, was as follows: "My friends, we want
that kind of education that will bring us into companionship with the great and good
of all times.
This will embellish our homes; this will lead us out of low and grovel-
ling pursuits and desires; this will bring into the midst of the family circle a means
of individual and domestic culture and development which will soon be felt in society at
lar
e
s -"
Q ^ r y ^ u
L
/
9 L (c
The work of construction was pushed on through the summer and autumn of
1866, and on 11th. Month 10 of that year the following report of progress was made in
/TU*
the editorial columns of the Intelligencer:
^Swarthmore College. - We have numerous
inquiries concerning the progress of the building and the prospect of an early organization of thJjachool in which so maiy of our subscribers are interested, and have made
inquiries recently with a view to answering these.
The masonry on the west wing of the
College is so nearly completed as to justify the confident expectation that the roof
will be upon it before the winter weather prevents out-door work.
The carpenters can
then proceed with their labors under cover, the floors can be laid, the stud partitions
put u p , and the other inside work proceeded with early in the spring.
The masons will
proceed with the erection of the remaining walls, which are already erected to the line
of the first joist, and there can be little doubt that the roof will be raised upon the
whole building before this time next year.
The French roof, which has been adopted as
an improvement in the plans, gives an additional story, in which the older class of
139*
pupils can be lodged; and it is believed that the Board of Managers will determine, at
its next meeting, to open the Preparatory School in the west wing in the autumn of
next year. Although this measure would be liable to some objections, it would, no doubt,
give a more definite and positive direction to the interest already manifested in the
enterprise, and attract toward it some who have stood aloof upon the plea that the plans
of education and management were not sufficiently matured to enable them to judge intelligently of them.
There is a feeling with some that the Institution is being erected upon
an extravagant basis —- that too much money is being spent upon the building — • such
should visit the grounds and examine the plans; they will find that while the building is
substantially constructed, as it certainly should b e , to meet the views of all, it has no
more expended upon it than would be considered essential to any structure of its size and
objects.
Upon the number of pupils it is capable of accommodating, must depend in great
measure the cheapness of instruction and living of the pupils, and upon this must depend
the adaptation of the Institution to the wants and requirements of the community.
We
learn that an effort is now being made to increase the means of the corporation by a
general duplication of former subscriptions, and that upon the success of this will probably depend the ability of the Board to open the school next autumn, and at the same
time to extend the building to completion.
In closing this article, we need hardly urge
upon all who would promote the spread of intelligence and liberal culture in the Society
of Friends, and in the communities in which they predominate, to aid this enterprise to
the extent of their surplus means.^
The Board of Managers had held a meeting on 9th. Month 7,1866, at which only
seven members appeared.
Subsequent to the meeting, five other members (Hugh Mcllvain,
Harriet E . Stockly, Samuel Willets, John G . Haviland and Edward Merritt) signed a statement which was appended to the minutes, and which expressed their "full sanction and approval of the proceedings as recorded in the foregoing minutes, to the end that they may be
Mfc. v / d
rendered valid and binding as though a full quorum had been present at the said meeting."
The transactions at this meeting included chiefly the receipt and approval
of reports from the treasurer and auditors.
The treasurer, William Canby Biddle,
reported that he had received, between 3rd. Month 3 , 1864, and 9th. Month 1 , 1866, the
sum of $82,370*00 in payment for stock, as follows: from Gerard H . Reese, Baltimore
receiver, $3,500.00; from Clement M . Biddle, Philadelphia receiver, $49,620.00; from
Samuel Willets, New York receiver, $29,250*00; also donations amounting to % 0 , 7 8 5 . 0 0 ,
and interest amounting to $7,477.41, making a total of $100,632.41.
During the same
period, he reported, there had been expended for real estate, $24,083.49; for organization, $2,557.18; for construction, $ 3 3 , 7 ^ . 0 0 ;
making a total of $60,396*67, and leav-
ing a balance of $40,235.74*
The auditors, Isaac Stephens and Clement Biddle, reported the treasurer's
account to be correct; and the treasurer then resigned his office, on account of "co»tinued ill health and contemplated absence from this country."
The Board accepted the
resignation, with expressions of regret and "appreciation of his faithfulness and efficiency in promoting the objects of our organization."
Henry M . Laing was then "appointed
Treasurer of the Corporation until the time of the annual appointment in the 12th. Month
next."
The new treasurer retained his office until 1870, when Williag C . Biddle was
reappointed and served until 1373.
The Board at its meeting in 9th. Month, 1866, also received the following
I report from the President on"Jfthe progress of the various departments of the concern
i
j since our last meeting.
The foundations of the entire building are laid & the West Wing
has progressed to the laying of the second story joists.
It is believed to be practicable
to inclose the West Wing this season, but not the Center building and East Wing.
"Water works are in course of construction & an abundant supply of water
from the Creek will be discharged at the building site in a few days*
-
^ h e Rail Road Company having extended the sideling {siding) on our front
Henry M . Laing was head of the firm of Laing and Maginnis^ 30 North Third Street,
Philadelphia, and was at the time, and for some years before
and afterwards, Treasurer
of the Association of Friends in Philadelphia for the Aid and Elevation of
the Freedmen.
«* 111
& built a new freight station & store house desire the privilege of widening the road
alongside of the Bail Road to facilitate the turning and loading of wagons hauling coal
and freight.*
In response to the last two items in the report, a committee of three
(Joseph Powell, Hugh Hcllvain and Edward Parrish) was ^authorized to enter into agreement with Waldron J . Cheyney & others interested securing & defining our rights and
n
duties arising out of damming Crum Creek for the erection of water works thereon ; and
another committee of three (comprising the same members
as in the first committee) was
authorized "to grant to the West Chester and Philadelphia Hail Road such privileges as
they may deem expedient for the purpose of widening the roadway not exceeding 16 feet on
the Rail Road front of our property provided the R . R . Company will provide increased
accommodations at the passenger station.*
On 12th. Month 3 , 1866, the Board held a regular meeting the day before the
annual meeting of the Corporation.
firmed the minutes of 9th. Month 7.
Twenty-two members attended this meeting and conThe new treasurer, Henry M . Laing, reported that
since 9th. Month 13 he had received for subscriptions to the stock, from Gerard H . Reese,
-v
/l/l.
Received for Baltimore, $1,500.00; from Clement ^
Biddle, Receiver for Philadelphia,
$4,495.00 (plus $103.10 in donations); and from Samuel fillets, Receiver for Hew York,
$4,654.02; making a total, with the former balance of $21,821.25 ($21,806.80 plus
Interest $14.46) of $32,573.37.
He had paid out, to the Construction Acct. $15,000.00,
and to the Organization Acct. $1,000.00, leaving a Balance of $16,573.37.
One minute
of the meeting records that "the Board was much occupied with the subject of increasing
the capital stock subscribed, which is referred to the Annual Meeting of the Contributors.*
The minutes of this meeting have no further reference to the subject of
finances, but are devoted chiefly to the report of the Building Committee, which was as
followsj^PThe committee respectfully report that the building has progressed satisfactojv
[ P f i l l f ]
277 - Id
The right of building the dam having been left unsettled, the first committee referred to in this paragraph proceeded to secure it.
Articles of agreement
were therefore drawn u p , first, with John Ogden, which set forth thet J^whereas the
said John Ogden by Indenture - dated the fifth day of July 1364, and Recorded at
Media in Deed Book M H o . 2 page 554 &c granted and conveyed to Daniel Foulke,
Clement Biddle and M . Fisher Longstreth, in trust for said College though not so
expressed in said deed, a certain tract of land therein described situate in Springfield township, aforesaid, bounded westwsrdly by Crum Creek and northwardly by
other lands of the said John Ogden of which the same was part; and by the original
Articles of agreement made with Friends Educational Association since merged in said
College it was stipulated and. agreed that said purchasers should have as part of
their said purchase certain water privileges as hereinafter specified unon the remaining land of the said. John Ogden, but which said privileges were by mistake omitted
from the said deed, and said original article of agreement has been mislaid.
" H o w this agreement witnesseth that the said John Ogden in consideration of
the
.remises and in further consideration of the sum of one dollar to him in hand
paid doth hereby erranx bargain sell release asid confirm unto the said Swarthmore
A
College their successors and assigns, the right liberty and privilege of damming
and backing up the waters of the said Crura Creek through and upon the lands of the
said John Ogden as far Northward as the same bounds upon and extends along the said
Creek on either side.
And it is agreed that the raid Swarthmore College shall pay
to the said John Ogden at the rate of
— —
"
Dollars per
acre for all the ground, of the said John Ogden that shall be overflown at the ordinary
stage of the water by the erection of the said dam.
And it is further agreed that
if the said daxa when erected shall make the water too deep for convenient crossing
from his lands on one side to those or. the other, the said College shall cause the
channel of the creek to be filled up at that point so as to preserve the said ford,
taking the necessary materials from the adjacent landr. of the raid John Ogden if they
can "be there had.* . . _
"f'ith owners of land alorw the Crura, was drawn tip the following sgreement:
A
~
^ T h i s agreement made the
' "
— —
daj^l3S6 between Mordecai L e w ' s , George L e » i s
Surviving Administrator of the Estate o f R e e o e
Lewis deceased Mary A . Lewis widow of
T
ssid3". Reece Lewis deed and G e o . 7. Miller guardian of George Lewis & Edith A . Lewis
ninor children of the said X . Reece Le^'is deceased of the one p a r t , and Swarthmore College
of the other p a r t .
ff
Whereas
the raid Mordecai
Reece Lewis were the owners of a certain lot
of ground situate and bounding u p o n the "*eet side of Crum Creek in Kether Providence
Township Delaware County and being also interested in the next mill power above on ssid
Creek and in consideration that the raid S . C . w o u l d locate their College building on a
certain tract of land on the Easterly side of said Creek in Springfield Township agreed
in the life time of the raid J h Reece Lewis that the said College should have the right
and privilege of damming u p upon said lot the raters of said Creek^fso that the head of
said data should not extend further up than a certain rock on the Southerly or Easterly
side thereof on land o" John Ogden with a projecting corner extending out of the bank and
a hemlock spruce tree growing thereon about llf or 20 yard by the course of the creek
Southward from the ford on the road crossing said Creek near !7allingrford M i l l s , and the
said College has located its building on the tract a f o r e s a i d .
^Pf-Tow therefore it is hereby covenanted and agreed by the parties hereto of the
first part and each of them to the extent of their and each of their right power and
authority so to a g r e e , the said Mordecai Lewis & the heirs of ^
Reece Lewis being still
the owners of the aforesaid l o t , that the said Swarthmore College shall have and enjoy
to itself s u c c e s s o r & assigns the right liberty & privilege of damming and backing u p
the waters of said Crum Creek to the height and extent hereinbefore mentioned and specified, and the said parties of the first part and each of them according to their several
277
- l b
id respective powers & capacities do further covenant arid agree to make execute and
sliver such further conveyance and assurance, and to sign such petitions acceptances of
stice or other papers «nd to become parties to such legal proceedings the tg-id party
f the second part may deem necessary for the fetter securing of the grant and privilege
3
foresaid. *"
To complete the legal right to build the dam, the two following agreements
ire found necessary:
^1855
Deed Moriecai Lewis &tju Eeece Lf-wis to James M . Price, C ITo 2
3th Mo 9th
p 445 Court 56 A 106 P in Hether Providence same which James Hon*sn
wife by Indenture dpted the 16th July 1853 Red in Deed Book B Ho
2 page 31 &c granted
id convened to said Mordecai Lewis & J ! Reece Lewis in fee. Excepting & reserving unto
ieiu the parties Of the first part hereto their heirs & assigns a Rectangular strip of land
irt of the above described premises commencing at the H.E.Corner thereof in the said
'ua Creek thence Southwardly along the Northern line of the said premises Forty feet
id Southwardly in breadth three feet containing nearly half a perch of land.
^ 1861
Deed James M . Price & wife to Waldron^J*. Cheyney I H o . 2 page 345
'th Mo 10th
26 acres (122 perches on Creek).
* 186fc|-
Deed Francis Lightfoot to Waldron J I Cheyney M H o . 2 p . 122 - 32 A
lar. 30th
128 p . Same James M . price & wife by deed 2nd M o . 9th 1358 Deed Book
No. 2 p . ?5$t&c granted & conveyed to f . Lightfoot.
^
This agreement made the
day of
1866 between Swarthmore College
' Edw»rd Parrish Hugh lieIIvein and Joseph Powell, members of the Board of Managers of
-id College and on behalf of Swarthmore College
having competent authority herein, of
le one part, and '"aldron J". Cheyney of the other part.
**Whereas the said Swarthmore College holds a certain tract of land on the east
Lele of Criffi Creek & partly bounding thereon in Springfield
Del Co. purchased of John
gden & others & the legal title to which is now vested in certain trustees but intended
27? - 1 c
i be conveyed to the said College and the said '"aldronjj^ Cheyney holds a certain
•act of land on the Westerly side of the said Crura Creek & bounding thereon opposite to
le lands of the said College.
And whereas the said College has acquired & procured
>r itself successors and assigns from the said John Ogden and from Mordecai Lewis and
le representatives of the estate J* Reece Lewis owners of the lands on both, sides of the
lid Creek above those of the parties hereto the right and privilege of darning & backing
> the waters of said Creek to a certain specified point.
it is
hereby
mutually covenanted and agreed by and between the parties
sreto for themselves their heirs successors & assigns that a dam shall be erected u^on
id across the said Crum Creek at some point between the lands of the parties hereto,
> be agreed upon by the parties hereto for the purpose of raising & backing up the
tters of said Creek and making available the fall thereof to a height co-extensive with
le grants made as aforesaid or that may hereafter made by the owners of the lands above;
id the said dam shall be erected and maintained for a period of twenty years, wholly
; the cost of the party hereto of the first part, procuring the necessary materials
:om eithgr side of the Creek in equal proportions if found convenient, excepting timber
id stones other than stones or rocks found or uncovered in the progress of the work,
id the said Swarthmore College shall have use and enjoy to themselves their successors
id assigns ti-'o thirds of the water of said Creek flowing from the said dam and be deemed
of 2/l
ae ownerAthereof as to all other uses\advantages that may be derived therefrom and the
r^thereof as to all other uses^r.
aid 7/aldron X- Cheyney his heirs and assigns shall have and enjoy the remaining third of
he water of said Creek flowing from said dam and be deemed the owner of l/3 thereof as
o all other uses & advantages that may be derived therefrom; and from & forever after the
xpiration of the aforesaid period of tventy years the cost of maintaining renewing &
eeping in good order & repair the said dara shall be borne by the parties hereto jointly
n the proportion of two thirds by the partv of the first part and. one third by the party
i-
f the second partj^-enul afti'J>" Liur IM ; ive"'jior, of tho o?„t 1frrcnb;»•ye.Jia **
This last agreement was apparently substituted for an incomplete agreement
hich reads as. follows;
277 -
Id
^Tnereas James M . Price by Indenture of Mortgage dated the ninth day of the
nd Month 1853 and Recorded in the office for Recording Deeds &c at Media Delaware County
n Mortgage Book L page 428 &c aid grant a Mortgage to Mordecai Lewis snd«JT Reece Lewis
o secure the payment of the sum of $3000. A certain Messuage and tract of 25 acres and
20 perches of land in Nether Providence Delaware County therein particularly described
ounded eastwardly by Crura Creek which farms the boundary between the same & lands of
warthmore College, and the said Indenture of Mortgage has been duly assigned to George
e.wis by assignment endorsed thereon dated 2nd Mo 2nd 1863 and intended now to be reorded. Aa.d the said Jr.me* II. Price by Indenture dated the tenth day the 7th Mo 1861
recorded at Media in Deed
Book
I
N o . 2 page 345 &c granted and conveyed the said arr-
ises subject to the said Mortgage & "Taldron jIT Cheyney, his heirs & assigns.
And wh.--rea
\e said "'aldron JjT" Cheyney and. the staid Swarthmore College are about to erect a dam
.ton and across the said creek between their said properties
That Thomas H . Speakmnn was the lawyer who drew up for the college the above
greements would appear from the following letter:
H . 7th St.
10th Mo 5 , 1866
s teemed Friend*
I enclose the agreements.
please have for one of the witnesses to
ie signature of the opposite party, a person who will be always accessible, and he
;;d better be disinterested.
If you will execute the agreements with Cheyney, I will attend to getting
Ls signature if it is desired.
Thruly thine
K .
th0s.
iward parrish.
^
sf2akman.
SHF
1-7
t
ily as far as the erection of the walls of the West Wing, the foundations of the
\entire building, and some portions of the first story of the Center building.
The
first line of joist is laid upon the whole and all the joist upon the West Wing and the
entire roof of this wing is now being erected.
•*The proposal to adopt the French or Mansard roof for the whole building
• has been fully adopted and a perspective drawing of the building as thus modified is
herewith submitted, the dome being now omitted and the flat portion of the roof made
of gravel, it is believed that the expense of roofing will still fall below the original estimate.
*The plan of the West Wing has been further modified by enlarging the class
rooms^to fit them for the purposes of the preparatory department, which will be most
appropriately organized in this wing as the first to be completed.
*The suggestions of some of the female members of the Board have led to
extending the kitchen department so as to allow of a housekeeper*s room and other conveniences in immediate proximity to the scullery, pantries,&c.
A saving of expense
will arise from the obvious change of the kitchen building to a one storied structure
with a French roof yet giving the same accommodation as before*
*The elevated Mansard roof of the Center buildihg gives an appropriate location for the water tanks which we propose to be two in number holding 15,000 gallons
and supported by the corridor walls immediately under the roof, the towers in the rear
of the return wihgs need not then be carried higher than the adjoining walls*
^The original estimate of the cost of inclosing the entire building as reported to the Board last year was $95,000, viz $40,000 for the Center building and
$27,500 for each of the wings.
The amount already expended is $47,605*70 which in-
cludes more than two-thirds of the stone, more than one-half the masonry, nearly onehalf the bricks and besides the lumber already -used and required for inclosing the West
Wing 47000 feet of floor boards of unusually fine quality.
The lumber has cost much
less than the estimated prices, the lime has also fallen below the original estimate
and the sand has thus far been procured almost without expense from the excavation
of the cellar.
This excavation cost $2,236.50, the original estimate having been
$3,000. These items founded on the experience of the present building season shows
that the whole can probably be inclosed for $92,328.
substantial dam and race have been built and the water wheel and pump
erected and pipe laid to carry the water to the building but some of these items have
not been paid for.
see no reason to depart from the original estimate of the cost of
pleting
COBH
the building after it is inclosed which was $60,000 additional, making the
whole cost about $150,000.
The proposal to complete the West Wing and such parts of
the Center building as may be required for the preparatory department of the school by
the first of the Tenth Month next has led to some estimates by our architects which
show a probable cost of about $30,000 to fit the building for these uses.
estimates have been made for furniture and apparatus for instruction
and in estimating the money to be raised, the improvement of the grounds, the erection
of laundry, steam or other heating apparatus and gas works mast not be overlooked-f
The Board discussed this report, and then instructed the Building Committee
M
t o put the whole building under roof as soon as practicable,carrying on the inside
work on the West Wing as their funds will allow."
President Parrish was evidently
desirous of completing the West Wing first and of starting the preparatory department
in it before completing the whole building and opening the college department.
minutes of this meeting state that "a report was made by the President.
For the
He suggested
the opening of the preparatory department, if practicable, next Autumn |l86?j, dividing
the West Wing so as to receive about 150 pupils, half of each sex, from whom college
classes might be formed at the end of one or at most two years."
The Board preferred,
however, to make haste slowly, and decided that "the suggestion is considered premature
considering the state of our finances."
But the Board did act on one of the President's interesting and historically
important suggestions, as follows: "The President and Advisory Committee propose
Edward H . Magill for the position of Superintendent or Principal of the Preparatory
Department upon consideration they are authorized to act in behalf of the Board when in
their judgment the time has arrived to make such an appointment." \ Two moro yoaro were
fxL-JAt+tir.
^liLGs
to -olapiBe boforc^Dr. Magill's fdrmal |election\fas» this
One further step was taken by the Board at this meeting looking towards the
opening of the school and college and laying down a policy which has been followed substantially to the present time.
The minutes record: "It is concluded that justice to
those who aid in the erection of the college requires that their children should have
preference^ in claiming admission to its privileges.".
The next day, 12th. Month 4 , 1866, at 3 o'clock P.M., the third "Annual
Meeting of the Contributors of Swarthmore College", or "the stockholders"^ or Corporation,
was held in lace Street Meeting-house.
The clerks of the Corporation, Edward Parrish and
Edith W . Atlee, had given two notices of it in the Intelligencer «s usual;
and the Board
at its meeting on 12th. Month 3 , had appointed its clerks, Edward Parrish and Helen G .
Longstreth, to prepare its annual report to the Corporation.
The stockholders elected eight managers, whose term had expired, to serve
for four y
e
a
r
s
C
h
a
r
l
e
s
T . Bunting^ of New York, in place of
John G . Haviland^ T . Clarkson Taylor of Wilmington^ in place of Thomas H . Matthews^ Martha
d. Mc Ilvain and Elizabeth W . Lippincott in place of Phebe M . Bunting and Mary L .
Boberts*
fy^^U.
^
^
Martha Tyson's husband was very ill at the ti#e of this meeting, and died one
month later.
Her preoccupation with him was doubtless one of the reasons why she was not
elected to the Board for\l866-^tt
That she continued to promote her educational "concern"
as best she could by pen is shown in an article on "Ackworth School", which she contributed
to the Friends Intelligencer for 10th. Month 20 and 27, 1 8 6 6 ^ Introducing the article
—
Vol.Xffiypp. 584 aad 616.
-gal. 3 V P V «5e^etfar-Month 15, 1066^. j ' U -
~
£ -
"
~
was the following note: "The respectful allusion to Ackworth school, by Edward Parrish,
in his excellent 'Essay on Education in the Society of Friends,' has led many Friends
to desire further information concerning this denominational seminary of the Friends
of England.
With the view of presenting the rdaders of the Friends' Intelligencer with
a concise account of Ackworth, the following simple article has been compiled.
And a characteristic foot-note to her article reads as follows*
"The patrons
Of Ackworth never appear to have supposed that the school would become a self-supporting
seminary, but in the most friendly and liberal manner contribute every year to make up
deficiencies in the income, which is derived from various sources.
11
Benjamin Hallowell had not been a member of the Board since 12th. Month,
1863, and he was not elected at the meeting in 12th. Month, 1866.
He had continued
to serve as clerk of Baltimore Yearly Meeting and as the secretary of that meeting's
very efficient "Standing Committee of the Indian Concern."
This committee was to be asked by President-elect U . S . Grant, two years
later, to nominate "suitable persons for Indian agents"; and Samuel M . Janney was nominated by it, and appointed by the President in April^ 1869, to the office of Superintendent of Indian Affairs.
Meanwhile, in the spring of 1866V h e advertised in the
Intelligencer T the sale of his Boarding School Property at Springdale, and devoted the
rest of the year tojcompleting his *5istory of_ Friends**- in four volumes, the publication
of the last two volumes of which was advertised in the Intelligencer for 12th. Month 2 9 ,
\2$ ^
1 8 6 6 . / S a m u e l M . Janney was also much interested at this time in the establishment of
First-day Schools, as evidenced by his article in the Intelligencer for 3rd. Month 9 ,
and 7th. Month 27, 1867 ( V o l ^ ^ p . 4 ) .
In many numbers of the Intelligencer for 1867,
appeared a long review by him of W . Robertson's Life and Discourses.
business transacted by/the
Corporation at its meeting in 12th.
y/t
Month/ 1866a had t % d o with the d i s c u s s i o n ^ the Managers' report and the completion of
iJlcu->-j~ /vAjw^ck /•v^/ti-vw^. A**.
the ftmd.^x JftAddresseik were made enforcing thetnrpofrtance of the early completion
1 • Vol. 33t T. 64.
i,.C
2
Y u l
'
g0
»
000
"
and establishment of the College.
- - - The meeting being occupied with the subject of
increasing the subscriptions to the capital stock, duplications and new subscriptions
were made by those present, amounting to 44 shares, and one Friend, who had before subscribed and paid for 40 shares, now offered to be one of twentyfeo raise the stun of
$50,000.
*The proposal of the Board to add to the Committee to solicit Subscriptions,
of last year, was united with.
That Committee is requested to add to its number, and
enter with renewed energy upon the work of increasing the subscriptions to the capital
The minutes contain the brief record^ "a report from the Board of Managers
was read, and called forth much expression of unity and encouragement"; but the Intelligencer's
account of the meeting reveals a discordant, or critical and cautionary, note
as follows:
7I*An impression was alluded to, as being entertained by some, that this work
was being carried on extravagantly, and on a scale not warranted by the necessities of
the case; but it is the opinion of those who have the best opportunity of knowing that it
TV
is far otherwise.
Considering the greatly enhanced prices of material and labor, the
cost of construction is remarkably low, and when finished, the capacity of the building
will, it is believed, be found below the requirements of society.
It was the desire of
the Board to have reached the conclusion at this time to open the preparatory department
in the portion of the building now erected, next fall, but in view of their contracts to
complete the walls of the whole structure, the funds in hand will not justify this, and
it was resolved to postpone it, unless the results of this winter'sf^an^lass for subscriptions should make it practicable.*"
The Managers' Beport was a repetition, in the main, of the reports of its
committees on building and property; but it included the following paragraphs from a
J?
"supplementary report of the Property Committee prepared but not presented:^The lawn and
i ^ L M
f»
play-grounds have been fitted for grass, which it is proposed to sow, with oats in the
spring. No money has been expended with reference to laying out walks, planting trees
and hedges, erecting summer-houses, and other improvements, which will necessarily be
postponed till the more pressing work of building and furnishing the College is provided
for. Nearly all the tillable land north of the railroad has been thoroughly cultivated
during the past season, and over 1,500 bushels of corn obtained therefrom.
for labor have been $1,171.61; taxes, $65.02.
$678.45.
The expenses
The sales of corn and fodder have reached
Nearly 1,000 "bushels of corn remain on hand, the proceeds of which, when sold
and applied to the ground, will fit it for the contemplated planting.
We have offers of
a variety of valuable trees and shrubbery, to be donated to the Corporation as soon as
we can properly dispose of them in ornamenting our grounds.**
to the raising of more funds, the Managers* Report contained the following
paragraphsJ/^In accordance with a suggestion a ^ the last annual meeting, our President
obtained the consent of fifteen of our contributors, chiefly residents of Philadelphia,
to co-operate in obtaining subscriptions, and during the early spring several meetings of
this committee were held, and preparations made for calling on persons of means with that
object.
Some, when visited on the subject, were not yet Sufficiently interested to re-
spond, but expressed a willingness to consider it, and to be called on again, others
subscribed, and a few declined; but, owing to the multiplicity of business cares, few
of the committee were able to give their time to the work, and the approach of summer
found it not half accomplished.
The efficient Chairman of the Committee
HoopesJ
was obliged to leave h6m e in the early summer, to seek health and strength in foreign
travel, and since his returm the operations of the Committee have not been resumed.
In
the meantime the little volume entitled 'Education in the Society of Friends, with an
account of the laying of the corner stone of Swarthmore College', has been circulated in
the city and country, and by conversation and correspondence the interest has been ex-
tended and increased, so that there is reason to believe that a resumption of active
operations by the Committee, to which we would suggest adding the names of some of those
interested in Philadelphia and the surrounding country, would be crowned with success.
•^The difficulty of our President, or any other single individual, conducting
such a canvass successfully is more and more apparent.
It requires united and persistent
labor on the part of persons of influence, as many as possible of whom should be thenar
selves liberal subscribers.
If such influence and labor could be secured on behalf of
our effort, there can be no doubt that we should soon be able to offer to the young all
the advantages which our College is designed to supply.
A l t h o u g h the causes we have adverted to, and the engrossing nature of the
building and other operations, the intense heat of the summer, and the general scattering
of Friends in pursuit of health and recreation, have caused a cessation of the labor of
soliciting subscriptions, and even prevented our President from calling upon some who
have expressed a desire to subscribe, a considerable increase of the stock has occurred
during the past year, and we believe the time has arrived for an earnest renewal of this
essential part of the work.
^
'' ''
last paragraph renewed'the financial appeal as follows; "Finally, we
would appeal to our friends and colleagues promptly to duplicate former subscriptions,
and to those blessed with abundance to add greatly-increased subscriptions toward bringing our capital to at least $200,000, the lowest sura that can possibly enable us to complete, furnish and fit for its purposes the entire structure, the bare walls of which
are now about one-half finished."-<
Jbftihe concluding note reads: "Letters pertaining to the business of the
corporation or to organizing the school, should be addressed to Edward Parrish, President
of the College, 800 Arch Street, Philadelphia."
JH-j ft-• / T
r tj
i ^
'
^
fhe P r a m a t m l ' a brief lepuiL lu the Doard on "tho organisation of tho school"-
284 -
1
There are in this Report some echoes of Dr. P&rrish's private thoughts as
recorded in his diary uhder date of Il/l5/l866 as follows; "It is too much for one
TV
m a ^ to do, to canvass for subscriptions to Swarthmore.
find perhaps 3 out,
I go to see 4 or 5 in a day
of the two others one may duplicate a former subscription! and
another finds it easy to say to me a single individual, young & of no special influence,
that fata
^
1
"
later (2/2?/67), he writes: "JfOnr Swarthmore Canvassing Commit-
tee is now meeting weekly, with pretty good success.
/are excellent additions to our number.
Alan Wood & Franklin H.Wilson
Each strikes a new vein.
I went down day
before yesterday to Chester, accompanied by T . H . Speakman, called on 9 people 8
subscribed in all about $700 several who we did not see are likely to come in if
called on - A second visit to Chester^ somewhat increased the subscription.
list with Bunting & Parker lumber merchants. - - - 4/23.
time to canvassing for Swarthmore subscriptions.
Co. N.J. yielded only $250.
spectively, in the city.
Left the
Still devoting most of my
A visit of 2 days to Gloucester
Got 3 subscriptions today for $1000 $100 & $125 re-
Have raised nearly $11,000 thus far this spring in
Philadelphia & Delaware Co. P a , besides sowing seed for much yet to be gathered.
3X -
How greatly he would have appreciated our automobiles and telephones I
-31.
There le one man, besides i-r^sifJ-T-t i-arrish, *»ho ? t m 3 p out in the records
with especial prominence in connecter, with the early fin?r,clnl story of the college.
This man was Srmruel "illete, of Uev; York.
He was b o m in 1795, and was therefore
sixty-five y» ars of age when he began his work for Swarthmore College early in IP61.
'Vith hie elder brother Amos, he had established in 1R15 the firm of A . & S. billets at
l'o. ZOc r e-' rl Street, lie- Yorx City, and did not retire from active business until fiftyr
t-o •ye
The firm dealt principally in hardware and the products of the whaling
fishery until IB62, after 'which time it developed its trade in California^ Mexican
and T e x a ^ products, especially leather.
Mercantile prominence and large wealth brought
Samuel into numerous directorate, of railway, bsnkinm and insurance companies; but
desritc his inert-R sin,. resronsibilitm PS, he remained until the end of his life proverbial
!
" m re ular attendance and punctuality i" h <- business engagements.
• ublic and
,
t
, were equally widespread.
director "err bestowed for aa
lent institutions.
His philanthropies,
H: r •"ifts and service as president or
yv-m- r n on more than c. half-dozen of Her York's benevo-
Among these were the General Hospital, In*V nt Asylum, ~orkinr "omen's
Protective Un? on, Society for the Relief of the Ruptured and Crippled, Infirmary for
"'or,en and Children, Association for the Relief of Colored Orphans, and the 'Vomer's Medical C o l l e g e . ^ T h r - u hout his life, he was a devoted member of the Society of Friends
r
and attended, with trv --ryirt;; regularity its meetinm- for worshic and discipline, including
those which were held, in th-
m d d l e of the week.
t-^-O
r-
committee service for the society were innumerable, and he was actively identified in
tlie promotion of the Cfoaker testimonies- in his State and nation.
The anti-slavery cause
enlisted hi:-, from his early manhood; he joined with Isaac T . Hopper and others in operating the Underground R.R.; he labored long and faithfully in behalf of the Indians^
he opposed capital punishment in various ways, among others presenting to the New York
Q
legislature in 1 S 0 , as clerk of the Hew York Yearly 1 lectin.-' selecting for Sufferings? a
petition a--inst it;
and he was. v, steadfast champion of international arbitration, hea.diig
a delegation to president Grant ir. 1370 to petition for a treaty with Great Britain for
the arbitration, not only of the Alabama Claims, but of all future disputes.
It was indeed fortunate for Swarthmore College to enlist from its beginnings
the eid of a man of such large means, aiarhed ability, generous impulses and. steadfast
devotion.
He was chosen a member of its first Board of Managers In 1862 and served in
that capacity until his death ir. 1883.
For a feolf dozen years, from IB76 to 1883
(including the critical yea.rs at the time of and immediately following the^G-reat Fire^in
Q
1 8 1 ) , he was president of the Board.
A contemporary sketch of his life, written by a
business associate who was not a. Friend, contains the following reference to his connection
/ i t
with the college: flPSamuel "Villets f«lt the truth of the divine precept that it is more
blessed to give than to receive.
His interest in the cause of education remains to be
spoken of, yet all who knew him need hardly be reminded of his affection for Swarthmore
College.
This institution of learning, now well known, ergaged hi s practical sympathy
fro'a the first, and all through the --ears up to its destruction by fire in 1881, it was
the object of his watchful solicitude and the constant recipient of his means.
He was
among the foremost to contribute to the rebuilding fund, and the structure known as the
Scientific Building on the college grounds owes its erection in part to him.
Almost the
r
l- -st act of his life was to rescue the restored building from financial embarrassment,
and from his death-bed he dictated the not-- which accompanied his check. As president of
the Board of Managers, he had looked forward with the hope that possibly when the time
Friends' Intelliaencer, VoljvriMn. B. 190.
• ^Samuel RTillets,
Feb.10,
printed without
place \
N I O H .
» a Memoir*., Woy Vj.L.X.,
. T. . V .
PFlatbush,
I « T. M , E N
H'eo.IU, 18.13;
J*,; ; printed
without place
or date, 10 pages. TjL.
TXv, ft* Atfr S^t^jlX. UUJLct* *
came he mirht be able to officially receive the restored college from the hands of
the building committee.
But it was not to b e .
The authority, at his own request, was
passed to his friend Isaac- H . Clothier, and he died without ever having seen the edifice
he had done so much to restore.
His name is inseparably associated with the college,
end at every commencement day and. festival hereafter his services will be recalled and
4
his memory gr" tefully honored; *"
Among the archives of the college are preserved sundry papers significent
of the labors of Samuel Willets in its behalf.
"For example, there are lead-pencilled or
pen-and-ihk lists of names of contributors to the college funds, with amounts of subscriptions due or paid; with some of these, is the marginal note: "Having collected a
little money for Swarthmore, I send, it on."
An Account-book of his receipts and expendi-
tures as "collector"for the college "previous tc 12th mo 1364," contains I
s
pares and a
list of about 200 naur s of contributors or share-holders and the number of shares of
K
e.-iCjj. This account was kept for the "Friends
1
Educational Association from 6th. Month 28,
1362 to 5th. Month 1 , 1864, and has the printed heading on its pages, "Subscriptions to
Swarthmore College, Shares 25 Dollars, In Hew York."
His annual reports to the college
treasurer from 1362 to 1370 are also extant; and these and his accounts give evidence of
his own gifts and of his success ih enlisting the aid of his close friends.
Before 1364,
for example, he had. riven $5,000, and his friends J 0 h n G . Haviland $3,CFG, Jonathan
T.
T h o m e $2,TOO, El wood Burdsrll $1,500, William H . Macy $500, and George
Trimble $250.
In 1364, he collected from forty-nine individuals $30,000, himself contributing $3,000,
John G. Haviland $3,000, and Jonathan Thorne $2,000.
In 1865, he reported receipts of
$33,000; in 1350, $40,000; in 1367, $13,000; in 1358, $22,000; in 1369, $26,000; in 1870,
$3,500.
In 1868, he gave $5,000 and in 1869, $6,250, to make up the sums he had pledged
llt'iififllf- to collect ^rom Hew York Friends.
In 1870, in view of the falling of- of his
collections, he promised to give $5,000 if the Hew York friends would gi^e $5,000 more;
when the latter load given only $3,000 hy 7th. Month 18, 1870, Samuel nevertheless sent
in his check for $5,000, hut he denied, in a letter of 8th. Month 2 , 1870, that he had
promised to make up the entire $10,000/
Even after the college opened, we find him
sending, on 9th. Month 2 2 , 1870, money which he had received for prospective students,
ss for example "$175 for Oliver Whitson jpaid for, perhaps hy himselfj, $175 for Amy
Willets and $175 for Jane R u s h m o r e ^ - "both nieces of and paid for hy Henry T . Willets
of Jericho, L.I."
His own children were horn too
to attend the college.
He had
married, in 1816, Sarah Hicks of Long Island, who lived until 1881, and had three sons
and one daughter.
Of these only one son, Robert, survived him; but he had grandchildren
and other descendants, some of whom have been students in the college of his care, lobert
was himself a manager of the college from 1871 to 1887.
Another great friend and benefactor of the college, who was to repeat in
several ways the role of Samuel Willets in the first generationVaf Swnrthr.orc's history^
was Joseph Wharton, of Philadelphia.
He was the fifth of the ten children of William
and Deborah Fisher Wharton, and was born in Philadelphia, 3rd. Month 3 , 1826.
Sharing
the interest of his mother in promoting education among Friends, he is met with first
JU
in Swarthmore's historjN early in 1864, when he was named one of the twenty incorporators
in the College Charter.
At this time, at the age of thirty-eight, he was already a
successful manufacturer of wlireb lea:, zinc oxide, spelter and nickel.
Always an indefatigable reader and student, and a staunch member of his ancestral Society of Friends, Joseph Wharton participated even in this crisis of his business
career in the literary and other activities of Friends in Philadelphia.
We find him,
for example, giving before the Friends' Social Lyceum, 2 n d . Month 2 9 , 1864, an address
on "The Universe";
one on "The Crust of the\$sffi£ii?#' 12th. Month 6,1864;
/3
Veins and the manner of working them,"
i
one on "Mineral
h
in 1865; and one on "Mines and Mining", in 1 s t .
Friends' Intelligencer, V o l . 33L y . 8 .
Ibid, Vol.Sgg; f . 124.
J&JSJ-,
1 0 6
ibid, v o i 3 H r , j .
-
6_
866
i*
n n
Month, 1867.
Having "begun his gifts of money to the new Friends
1
College about
^
18624 he was appointed a member of the Committee on Conferences and Subscriptions for
1866 - 69; he was elected a member of the Board of Managers in 1870, in succession to
his mother^
and became the successor to Samuel Willets as the Board's President from
1883 to 1907.
Thus, for more than forty years, he generously devoted himself and his
wealth to the welfare of Swarthmore College.
3
1
1 - Ibid, Vol.
p . 793.
| a - Deborah P . Wharton, although she retired from Swarthmore's Board in 1870, at the
age of seventy-five, continued several of her active interests, especially her work
for the Indians and Freedmen, and lived until within two months of her ninety-fourth
,
year.
1 $ - "Wharton Hall", a dorraitory for the men-students,is named in his honor^
jwas expanded, in the Managers* Reportjas follows:^*, course of instruction for the preparatory department, which it is proposed first to organize, has been carefully prepared.
This course will, we believe, meet the wishes of intelligent parents, and promote the
best interests of the pupils, preparing them to enter the college in due course, with
the promise of readily acquiring a thorough and liberal mental culture, while those whp
may be compelled to leave at the close of the preparatory course will carry with them a
ground-work for that self-education which should be the aim of all.
best educators are convinced by observation and experience that the
^younger and more impressible the mind of the pupil, the more important is knowledge and
skill in the teacher.
Education, properly^ considered, is not merely a process of furnish-
ing the mind with stores of knowledge, but develops its powers, firming habits of thought
that will render the knowledge afterwards acquired subservient to its best and highest
uses.
J®This view applies to the early training in what is called the common school,
as well as to that of the College; and we believe that no greater error grows out of
the ambition of parents and teachers to produce the appearance of an extended education,
withdut its reality, than the crowding of a multiplicity of different studies upon the
immature mind.
By this system of cramming the young with what they cannot assimilate,
and must soon forget, incalculable injury is done to their mental, and often to their
physical, strex^th, and the ends of true education are signally defeated,
R e l i e v i n g that the true ihterests of Swarthmore College will be promoted by
providing, for at least a portion of those who will become its students, a preliminary
training in accordance with these views, especially at its commencement, we propose to
open the preparatory department as soon as the condition of our treasury and the progress
of the building will allow, and to postpone the formation of the College classes till at
least a year after that time.
*Steps have been taken towards securing the services
of an experienced practi-
ISO-
4-
IJhJL
cal teacher, to open this department, andpre had hoped that the condition of the treasury
and the state of forwardness of the building would have enabled us to announce the opening of the school in the west wing and portions of the centre building, to take place in
the Tenth Month, 1867, but we fear that any such design would lead to disappointment,
unless our collections during the current winter should prove very successful in securing
the means for a rapid prosecution of the work.
The Board have, therefore, hesitated to
bold out any expectations not warranted in view of our present resources.
ADMISSION OF PUpILS,
*Many subjects have claimed our attention in connection with the proposed
opening of the preparatory department, which we seem it premature to introduce into this
report; but upon one subject of general
we desire to give the judgment arrived a t .
;*It is the unanimous judgment of the Board that justice to those who aid in
the erection of the College requires that their children and wards should have preference
in claiming admission to its privileges.
"This decision is the more important since, at the opening of the preparatory
department, few applicants can be properly excluded on the ground of want of preparation,
while a larger number will probably apply than one-half the building will accommodate.
*Maiy parents are looking anxiously towards the opening of Swarthmore, and we
believe that, if we were in a condition to open it next fall, new interest would be infused
into the enterprise; and, if the preliminary department should prove as successful as we
may reasonably anticipate, the completion of the unfinished building, the enlargement of
the number of pupils, and the elevation of the standard of education to the full grade of
a college, would be already Assured.*
By
1
thus emphasizing both the primacy of the preparatory school and its aid
to the college, the President appealed to both groups of benefactors.
That both Edward H . Magill and D r . Joseph Thomas were very much in the mind
of President Parrish for the faculty of the preparatory school and the college, respectivei-Q
1
106—
ly, is shown among other evidences^ by the fact that the former was invited to come down
from Boston at this "psychological moment" and deliver a lecture before the Friends'
Social Lyceum of Philadelphia on "The Study of Language as a Means of Mental Culture",
which was published as the leading article in the Friends' Intelligencer of 12th. Month 15,
AifcUand 22, 1856; while D r . Thomas delivered before the same audience a lecture on "How to
Head UnderStandingly",
an abstract of which was published in the Intelligencer of 12th.
/H-9.
8 , 1865t
Dr. Parrish also gave two lectures to the Lyceum, one on "The Study of
llonth
litI
Languages", one on "Fats and Oils".
j
JL JL^l JU^.
j-iriJjrut^
^ L ^ t O
(T^^JL
•
H -
Voir§3^frp. 641 - 4 4 , 657 - 60.
<-2 ps-
vol. aa t r .
o
a
o
vol. oi t r . i o o X S S T ,
—
7
.
y Wl
O
^^i^thy
^ r e p o r t from the President was received of which the following is an abstract.
1.
He
has appointed Edward H . Magill to be Principal of the Preparatory Department of the
College with the privilege of taking the Professorship of Classics or of some other
branch on the organization of the faculty."
No further comment exists in the min-
utes on this item of the President's report; for at the meeting of the Board on 12th.
Month 3 , 1866, he had already been given authority, in cooperation with the Advisory
Committee, to make the appointment.
At this time, Edward H . Magill was in the forty-second year of his age.
He had been b o m , the son of Jonathan Paxson and Mary Watson Magill, in a Quaker
farmer's home in Solebury, Bucks County, Pennsylvania.
A private school at his home;
a public school near by^ Westtown School^ Williston Seminary (Eastharapton, Mass.)^
Yale College^ and Brown University were the scenes of his formal education, which he
completed at the age of twenty-seven.
Meanwhile, he had taught, from the age of
sixteen to twenty-three, in Pennsylvania Friends' rural schools, in the Clermont
Academy (Frankford^ and Bristol, Pa.)» in the Friends' Central School (Philadelphia),
and in Benjamin Hallowell's school at Alexandria, V a .
On his graduation from college,
he had been appointed head-master of the B o y ^ Classical High School, in Providence,
R . I., and after seven years of successful service there, he went as "First Submaster",
to Dr. Francis Gardner in the far*.famed Boston Latin School.
Here he remaihed from
1859 to 1867, - "eight of the most profitable years of my life," he records in his
fth Vfcjitobiography;"
and it was from this post that he was chosen as the first Principal
of the Preparatory School of Swarthmore College.
1 H &
Relating the circumstances of his appointment, Dr. Magill says: yjpit was early
in the spring of 1867 that I had an entirely unexpected visit at our home in Jamaica
Plain, from Edward Parrish, of Philadelphia, who informed me of his great interest in
a college to be established by certain members of the Society of Friends, and then in
process of construction.
Of this college he had been chosen, a few years earlier, by
the board of managers, the first president.
He informed me that as our Friends had had
no college previous to this, it must be, for a time at least, rather a preparatory
school than a college.
Of this preparatory school, his friend and mine, Rachel T . Jack-
son, - wife of the well-known minister, John Jackson, - had suggested to him that he
obtain my aid as principal.
^ T h i s was a wholly unexpected opening, and at first I scarcely knew what to
i think of it.
After a night's reflection, I saw in this an important opportunity to
i do a good work for our Religious Society, which was now each year becoming more in need
; of such a school; for at that time there were very few young men in our Society who
I had had the educational advantages which I had enjoyed since I left Benjamin Hallowell'g
' school
to prepare for Yale.
1 felt that, since that time, my life had been so ordered
| as to give me the best fitting possible for a place among my own people such as that to
*5ixty-five Years in the Life of a Teacher**. Boston. 1907. ~B. 116.
~
Ibid, -JJp. l l f ^ T S .
'
"
*
which I was now called.
After the night's rest and prayerful reflection, I answered
/
Edward Parrish that I would accept the position offered.
promptly tendered my resignation £3 tie board of the Latin School, to
take effect at the coming summer vacation.
As the college would not open until the
autumn of 1869, I felt that I must spend the intervening two years in study abroad,
and in making in Paris the selections needed for my third volume, already well under
way, to be called "French Prose and Poetry.'
Thus prepared, I should enter upon my
work at the new college with twenty-eight years' experience in teaching, study, and
travel.
I hoped that my later wide and varied experience would atone for my premature
beginning at the age of sixteen."*After a year spent in Paris and elsewhere in Europe, Professor Magill returned home in the summer of 1868, recalled by the sudden death of his father.
Another
year was to pass before he could enter upon his Swarthmore career, and of it he
says:
-^This period I spent in settling my father's estate, in caring for and
watching over my afflicted mother, in arranging for the organization of the preparatory
school; also in writing and delivering, in Philadelphia and elsewhere, lectures on
'The Coeducation of the Sexes' and on other subjects connected with the organization
of the college.
I occasionally visited the college grounds, looking after the finish-
ing work yet to be done, the supplying of needed books and desks, etc.
I met the new
/
faculty occasionally in Philadelphia at the house of our president, Edward Parrish,
and attended to a mass of detail which the great work before us involved.
As I look
back upon this time, now so far in the past, I can scarcely understand how so many
important and unavoidable engagements could have been crowded into that one last
preparatory year of 1868-69.'*'
M f
C&jtJba—
J
/bL
I
r^O^AT -
vvvvvXIXJ1-<_
Qjuis^CtJZJ^
. A*t
-^to.
/ v t x ^ U V Y
/vw.
1
plans for organizing the household department of the school and college & report at
future meeting."
To this committee were appointed Eachel T . Jackson, Helen G".
Longstreth, Martha G . Mc Ilvain, Phebe W . Foulke, Eliza. H . Bell and Ellen Riley.
Throughout two generations this committee, called in later years the Household Committee and composed of devoted women members of the Board, has faithfully performed its
essential tasks.
At the next meeting of the Board, on 5th. Month 9 , 1867, the resignation of
Susan H . Jones on account of ill health was accepted, and Elizabeth B . Smith of Baltimore was elected in her place.
The following report was presented from the Commit-
| tee on the Organization of the Household: ^ T h e y have given much thought and attention
\ to the important subject committed to their charge.
The arrangement of the details
of housekeeping and the adoption of rules of conduct and intercourse for the large
family in attendance on the preparatory school & the college must grow out of the
necessities of the case as they arise, and will require the united wisdom of the
faculty of instruction and those placed over the household.
^The present duties of this committee seem to be: 1st, To suggest conveniences to be provided for in the building, in which, especially as relates to the
kitchen and its adjoining apartments, they have cooperated with the Building Committee
' 2nd, To indicate as the subject matures in their minds, the proper officers to be appointed to the care of the pupils while in their rooms, at their meals, & in social
intercourse.
ffi
,
^
^
Q
f
^
W
^ T h e most important of these officers will be a matron who shall as far as
possible supply the place of a mother to each of the inmates of the house, encouraging
those who are depressed, affectionately reproving any who may be forward or indiscreet
and advising with all in their difficulties.
She should also be intrusted with the
appointment and supervision of the domestic servants connected with the kitchen &
dormitories, seeing that their duties are efficiently carried out.
Either through a
subordinate housekeeper or with her own hands, she should apportion & dispense the
daily supplies and see that they are economically and properly cooked and served.
Her apartments should be located in the wing appropriated to the girls and should be
freely accessible to them for confidential intercourse and as a center of refined
and cultivated society.
&lri view of the great importance of such an officer, second to none in the
Institution in influence upon all the pupils, especially upon the susceptible minds of
the girls and younger boys, we have thought it wise to seek among those already well
known to the Board as conscientiously bound to this work for one possessed of the re\ quisite moral & intellectual qualities, who would begin thus early to prepare herself
fot its duties with earnestness & singleness of purpose which can alone "bring success.
••^Dhe thoughts of some of the committee having been directed toward our
friend Helen G. Longstreth as well fitted for the duties we have sketched, she was
spoken to on the subject some months since and though at first unprepared for an
undertaking of so much responsibility we believe she has undergone such a preparation of
mind as now to feel that the duty is laid upon her to enter upon the work should the
best judgment of the Board approve of her appointment.
No expense will be incurred by
giving her the position of Matron at this time, the compensation which is regarded as
of secondary importance^ by her would begin only with the opening of the School and
its amount would be determined when we are better able to measure our resources.
In
view of all the circumstances therefore we are prepared to recommend that the Board
should appoint her Matron at this meeting, leaving the organization of the household
in her hands under the advice & with the cooperation and approval of the President and
this Committee.-^
A t the conclusion of this report, the Board adopted the following minutes
"The proposition of the Committee on Organization of the Household to appoint Helen
G . Longstreth Matron was after deliberate consideration fully united with and she
accordingly appointed."
From the above outline of the duties of the "Matron", it is seen that her
,
position united those of\^S&e-^ean and JfaE^pusekeeper.
In 1886, Elizabeth Powell Bond
came to the college, and after four years asjrtlatron, the two positions were separated
I
MtL
and she was appointed Dean, while another became housekeeper^ and ^.trons of the various halls of residence were appointed as these developed.
A woman held the fllean's
position from 1890 to 1913, when a man was appointed the Dean of the College and a
woman the Dean of Women; in 1928, another man was found to be necessary to serve
as Dean of Men.
Helen Gregorowski Longstreth, who was appointed in 1867 the first Matron,
J^if/Sj
_
/fxf ^
X ^ ^ u v f c /
entered upon her active duties at the college in the autumn of 1869 and served
during one college year, until June, 1870, when she retired.
^Her middle name was
1
in honor of her uncle s wife, a Russian ladyJs
She was the daughter of a Philadeljmia Quaker merchant, Samuel Longstreth,
and his wife, Sarah Redwood Fisher. / H e r younger brother, Miers Fisher Longstreth,
was for twenty years (1871-91) also a member of Swarthmore's Board.
At the time of her
appointment asTRatron, she was in the fifty-second year of her age, and had long been
active in the Quaker circles of Philadelphia as one of the editors of Friends' Intellig e n c e r X a member of the Friends' Library and Book Association committees. After her
retirement
Swarthmore,
she lived Society
thirty years
longer,
and of
devoted
herself
to
the work of from
the Charity
Organization
and the
education
the Negro
freedmen.
and others interested inspecting the progress of the building an excursion has been
arranged for tomorrow morning by special t r a i n . " ^
(This excursion, if it occurredwon 5th. Month 10, was too early to include the
T
Friends attending Yearly Meeting in Philadelphia^ which beg^nj^ on 5th. Month 13; and
there appears to be no extant account of i t . J p O n e month later, on 6th. Month 15,1867,
the Friends' Social Lyceum held its fourth annual reunion on the college grounds.
/H
This reunion was duly announced in the Friends' Intelligencer of 6th. Month 8 ,
the
train-service being stated in detail, and the caution given: ^ o prevent the overcrowding (and consequent risk^ attendant on the 9 o'clock (special) train, it is hoped
that as many of our friends as possible will avail themselves of the 7.15 train."
A further attraction at the end of the day (thirteen hours laterj) was announced as
follows: "Friends not desirous of connecting with other roads on returning from the
V*jvf
grounds
areas invited
to remain
the 85.M.
train
and
enjoy
moonlight
ride to
the city,
arrangements
withuntil
the railroad
have
been
made
fora that
purpose."
^
/S<*>7
The Intelligencer of 6th. Month 29, i968, gives the following editorial
account of the reunion:
ont^J®
*fPThe Fourth Annual Reunion of Friends' Social Lyceum took
place onjthe grounds of Swarthmore College, on the 15th inst, and was held to the satisfaction of the large concourse of Friends who assembled on the occasion.
i^The day, though warm, was pleasjpt, and maiy from the city and adjoining
counties, and some from New Jersey, Maryland and Delaware, participated, and exchanged
the friendly greetings which the occasion was calculated to inspire.
On® of the pleas-
ant features of the scene was to observe so many in advanced life participating with
the young in innocent relaxation and enjoyment.
*0wing to the excellent arrangements of the Committee, every thing necessary for comfort and enjoyment was provided.
Entire order prevailed throughout, and
nothing occurred that we heard of to mar the pleasure of the d a y . ^
—
"
—.——
•- — .
•"•• - • - — - - - — -
...
- . .
.
.
.
.. -
|
| I
- 4 — Vol. 8 4 / p . 217. Excursion tickets, procurable "at Parrish's Pharmacy, 800 Arch
St., or of the Committee /of six]
on Arrangements," cost 60^ for adults and 35rf
for
J
?
children.
Vol.
B . 266.
P - Z T p f F
The President's report at the meeting of the Board on 5th. Month 9,1867,
^
Contained four more items besides that announcing the appointment of Edward H . J f e g i l l - ^
Tlin nrr- l/ 0 f these was stated in the minutes as follows;"2. With a view to the Board
The "pleasure of the day" was slightly marred for a few individuals who
lost "on Swarthmore grounds a Morocco Satchel, supposed to "belong to S . E . Moore" and
/ra
"a parasol and other articles"; but as these were advertised in the Intel1igeneer
as
procurable "at the Store of E . Parrish, Eighth and Arch," or "at 717 Willow Street",
their owners were probably soon mollified.
The literary exercises of the day included
an essay by "S" on "Fashion," written (its author admits) in rather censorious and
sarcastic vein, and contrasting ( u n f a v o r a b l y to the former) thej woman's bonnet and
If*
%
dress of 1867 with the "plain" bonnet and dress of the Friends.
Ann Preston also
read a poem on "Progression", which stressed the importance of the Light Within, but
celebrated also the recent introduction of gas-light in the city streets and the
achievement of the trans-Atlantic cable.
t—
>i
u
Nothing appears toj^b* said of Swarthmore's progress at the reunion; but the
minutes of the Board for 5th. Month 9 , 1867 give the following additional items in the
President's report:
Some improvements have suggested themselves in the plan of
the building as it has progressed & the arrangement of the Kitchen, Storerooms and
housekeeper's room is still under discussion by our Committee on Household.
3.
The
ground in front of the building as far as the Bail Road is already prepared & sown
with Oats which is already above ground, that in the rear of the building is being
prepared for Corn.
4 . ^ / T h e sum of $10,171 has been paid on account of subscriptions
& donations since last report of which nearly $9,000 was subscribed previous to the
beginning of 1867.
The sum of $12,271 has been subscribed since last meeting.
5.
The risk of fire incident to the exposed condition of the building has induced the
employment of a watchman who remains during the night and on first days, superintending whatever is doing about the building or on the premises.
We have also insured
, ,
against fire to the amount of $20,000 for one year at $200•' * •
At this same meeting of the Board, the Building Committee presented the fol-
ma, ^
M
^
?
^
ff
/
^
'
29tp- 1
The full "Programme" of the literary exercises was as follows:
Morning Session, commencing at 10 A . M .
Introductory Remarks
Poem .
.
.
Thos. H . Speakman.
.
Ann Preston, M.D.
Essay, "Self Culture,"
Charles A . Dixon.
Lecture, "Mind and Matter,"
Caleb S . Hallowell.
Answer^ to the Question: "Does the solar system possess the elements of
perpetuity?"
.
Declamation, "The Sleeping Sentinel."
.
.
. John G. Moore.
William 0 . Foulke.
Afternoon Session, commencing at 2 o'clock, P.M.
Exhibition of Plans of contemplated College Buildings, with explanatory
remarks, by
Edwareparrish.
Reading, Stoddart's "Ode on Lincoln,".
. Everetta McV. Moore,
Address, The Founding of Pennsylvania.
. John J . White.
Essay,
. Halliday Jackson
Answer£ to Question,
.
.
.
.
.
. B . Franklin Betts.
The following question will then be open for discussion:
"Which system of education is more effective: that which aims at a
general knowledge of many subjects, or a thorough knowledge of a few?"
The sneakers are limited to ten minutes.
lowing report: -"We failed in getting the West Extension and West Wing entirely roofed
in last autumn, but had the roof finished in the flat part & had the mansard roof
boarded & covered with felt on the slopes so as to keep out the weather, which enabled
us to have the carpenter work progressing through the winter.
We expected to have all
the slate before this but were unable to get the "Peach Bottom slate" delivered until
last week; they will be put in place immediately.
We commenced the stone work as soon
as the weather would permit in the fourth Month, which with the brick work is advancing
satisfactorily.
We have had the iron joist for the fireproof compartments delivered
and are about contracting for the iron stairways.
3*The cost of the building to this date is as follows:
$60,712.08
$2,336.56
«»
Brot up
Sand
200.00
Sundries
1,137.70
Lime
1,642.63
«
t
'
i
»
i
Hardware
533.25
Excavating
Stone
10,667.05
Stonework & c .
18^4.99
Lumber
9,721.36
Plans
1,100.00
Pay Roll
9,731.41
Bricks
5,298.08
Superintendent
1.160.00
$60,712.08
1
'
i
»
1
'
i
'
i
«
«
Window Frames
1,855.45
Mill Work
512.60
Iron Work
342.23
Roofing
586.45
Insurance
200.00
Iron pipe for Water works
400.30
Approximate Total
$66,280.06
"*The Committee do not see any reason why the building cannot be inclosed for the amount of the Estimate made last year.
We would advise proceeding at
once in getting the West Extension and West Wing ready for plastering if the Board
deem the subscriptions sufficiently advanced to warrant it.
^Signed on behalf of the Committee
Hugh Mc Ilvain, Edward Parrish, Edward Hoopes^S
The Board, after considering this report and recommendation,decided "to
authorize the Building Committee to proceed with the inside work, upon the part of the
5
)
/ ft (a *] — (o
tf
^
The only conference held in 1867 in behalf of Swarthmore was apparently, one
J
jfi
in Philadelphia at the time of Yearly Meetingj
but no account of this is extant.
In
1868, on 1st. Month 8 and 9 , were held local conferences in Race Street and Green Street
Meeting-houses, respectively."
Evidently, the confefence-method was fading out.
jfS
President Parrish, at the end of 1866, said of it: ^pln the course of this work, members
of the Board, and others interested, have attended conferences in nearly all the Monthly
b
Meetings within the compass of Philadelphia Yearly Meeting, numering fifty, obtaining
A
subsciiptions from Friends; besides addressing conferences in several sections of New
York and Baltimore Yearly Meetings, and one at Farmington, within the limits of Gehesee
Yearly Meeting.
• ^ n all these they have found some to respond cordially to their appeals.
The young, who, in many sections in the midst of indifference and apathy are impatient| ly thirsting for knowledge; parents who begin to appreciate the imperative duty they
I
]owe to their rising families, to supply than with the highest possible culture and
i
• development; and lastly, the elders and fathers in the church, who in looking for a
succession of standard-bearers, begin to suspect that to the neglect of the great
interests of education under the guarded care of the Society, may be attributed much
of the weakness which they deplore.*
/ f i
la New York Yearly Meeting in 1867,
"the subject of education was introduced
by a report from Nine Partners Q^aarterly Meeting, in which a proposition was made to the
Yearly Meeting to take under its care a school which had been recently established and
that was now -under the supervision of the Quarterly Meeting.
A joint committee was ap-
pointed to take the whole subject of education into consideration and report thereon
, next year."
At the next Yearly Meeting, the New York records stated"fypThe reports (j^-v]
*
- Friends Intelligencer, \
"ft.154. This is a notice of the conference to be
held 5th. Month 13,published in the issue for 5th. Mo.11,1867.
! - Ibid,
697.
I i - s*feLucation in the Society of Friends**; p p . 49 - 50.
. 4 - Friends Intelligencer, V o l . -84^ ft. 216.'
1 ? voi^&j]»|i6r~
Tyrsrft
isfc
z
^
z
f
Mi'tliM feubjact lof educating the children under our own care was dwelt upoh "by
Friends present, and the concern of George Fox for the organization of schools, where
children might "be instructed in 'every thing civil and useful in creation' was presented for consideration, showing that his "j^ind took a comprehensive view of the
subject, embracing the idea of a college, as well as the preparatory schools, which
latter are needed as feeders of the former.**
Among the "Friends present" at this Yearly Meeting, were Samuel M . Janney,
Deborah F . Wharton, Mary S. Lippincott and George Truman, who "largely participated
in the exercises of the different meetings", and who doubtless emphasized the need of
education and the desirability of aiding the Quaker college."On Fourth-day evehing",
the records continue, "a Meeting was held to promote an- increase of interest in
Swarthmore College.
tions were received."
It was quite an animated gathering, and a number of subscripThus, the "central school" was not permitted to be wholly
eclipsed by the Quarterly Meeting schools locally so popular.
^Til
j
fett*
^
i
fcuildiag iaalooodj -40 the extent of blie unappropriated moans, at their diuoioltlwiay*' —
The eagerness of the Board to complete the "building and the impatience of
their Quaker constituency to utilize it *re alike reflected in the following editorial
!S%
in the Intelligencer
for 7th. Month 13, 1867.
The strenuous efforts of President
Parrish to complete the necessary funds by riding through the rural Quaker communities
in search of them doubtless inspired the article, which reads as follows;
"^Swarthmore College. - In reply to frequent inquiries as to when this Institution is likely to be opened for pupils, we are prepared to answer that the building
committee are prevented from putting the inside work under contract on account of the
a.
deficiency of funds, and unless tl^yse are provided before the close of the present
building season the school cannot be opened, as was anticipated, in the Ninth rhonth,
1868
"®£he friend upon whom the labor of soliciting subscriptions mainly devolvei
has solicited appointments in various sections, being willing to hold conferences at
any time which may be most convenient, and to inform all who will attend these of the
objects, plans and present condition of the concern, but there has been as yet no
movement in this direction the present summer.
*He has spent some days in riding through different sections of the country,
calling on Friends, but has found this method rather unproductive; those residing on
farms live too remote from each other for a large number to be called upon in a day,
and of those called on some are absent from home, some unprepared to decide upon a
subscription at the time, and some desirous of shifting a burden which belongs to
themselves upon the shoulders of others.
" I n the meantime every day brings the fund already collected nearer its end,
and although the recent subscriptions in the cities have been considerable, the uncertainty in regard to the time of opening the school increases as the season advances.
*To the large number of persons having children to educate, and looking "fcoward
this school as likely to meet their wants, this statement will appear rather discouraging^
C90 ••• ?•.
~~
333r X
but we would remind such that it is in their power to aid materially in removing this
uncertainty; if every one so circumstanced will contribute to the extent of his
ability this year, and having done so will open the way for labor among his neighbors,
the necessary funds can be obtained in time to open Swarthmore at the time proposed.
^-We are aware that those most needing this school are not generally those who
have most means accumulated, but there are few who have not something to spare, and it
is by sacrificing something for an object in which we are interested that we can best
demonstrate our sincerity in urging it upon others.
^iSo important is the completion of this school next summer, that we should
esteem a failure to accomplish it a real cause of discouragement.
Hundreds of children
who have looked toward it are already growing past the age to avail themselves of it,
and others who are younger are anticipating with confidence entering at the time named
by the managers, conditioned only on the funds being contributed; the Society of Friands
is, meanwhile, suffering for want of the influence and strength which such an Institurtion is calculated to bestow upon it. All that is wanted is faithfulness, liberality
and a conscientious disposition among those blessed with means to make thenjkvailable
for the good of others.
Will not our friends forward their names to Edward Parrish,
800 Arch street, who is authorized to receive their subscriptions, and will correspond
with them in regard to the concern.^
A
i
. '»
This forthright appeal brought forth at least one response, which was published in tie Intelligencer for 7th. Month 2 7 , 1867,
and prefaced by the following editor-
ial note: "The following letter from a friend residing in the State of Hew York, seems
to have been called forth by our recent Editorial in relation to the condition of the
fund subscribed toward the erection of Swarthmore College.
Though not written for
publication, we take the liberty of inserting it as worthy the attention of our
("fheletter itself reads as follows: TfRenyected
Friend: :
Since our first
meeting in Hew York, a little more than three years ago, I have desired an opportunity
1 "—Vol-,—24, Pp» 833«4'»
/fi-y^A-rtp.jis-Df.
;X3S.
7Vfor a free interchange of sentiment upon the subject thej^ under discussion, the establishment of a literary institution under the supervision of Friends.
^ T h e general interest of that gathering upon the important subject of the
proper education of the youth among us, with the more tangible proof of their sincerity, was to me as an awakening of our members from the lethargy that had caused their
noblest powers and best interests so long to rest in a state of slumber.
My heart beat
as with new life, and my spirit was made to rejoice in being assured that Friends had
at last been made sensible of the loss sustained by our Society, from the want of an
educational institution at which their children could pursue all the branches taught in
the most liberally endowed college.
I had long realized that such was the case, and that
unless we were willing to be more liberal, more conscientiously faithful in educating
the rising generation, the future pillars of our church, more within ourselves and under
the care of those who appreciate our peculiar testimonies, our numbers must continue to
decrease, and w e , as a Society, be scarecely known among the nations.
From the general
expression and unity of sentiment of those present at the time, we could not doubt that
ere this hundreds of our youth would be reaping the reward of that evening's labor.
But although the object is not accomplished, yet it is encouraging to know that some
are still laboring to forward the noble work, even under so many discouragements.
we no Geo. Peabody's, no Moses Browifs among us?
Have
And in what could our men of large
means invest their wealth that would bring a greater blessing to them while here, or
yield a richer satisfaction when called ufion to give up their stewardship, than to
provide for the guarded education of our youth, and the dissemination of our principles
among others who might choose td be gathered intfc the same Institution?
can say from experienee that the children of those differing from us in
religious sentiment soon learn to love the simplicity and affectionate manners practiced
in Friends' schools; and where the teachers conscientiously observe our peculiar
testimonies, they voluntarily adopt them.
While, on the other hand. Friends' children,
if placed under the care of those who view these things as mere vague delusions
s-neaki
lightly of them, soon learn to consider them nonessentials, thus abandoning one after
another, until all those hedges that have "been BO carefully placed around them are
1 broken down.
that these externals can give grace to our children, but cannot many
; of us testify to their having been safeguards to us in the hour of temptation?
I may
I gratefully acknowledge it to have been so ih my younger days, ana am often made to rei joice that such restraints surrounded m e , until mature reflection taught me that fashion
and vain compliments constitute neithetr true politeness nor the real enjoyment of life.
With these convictions, I most ardently desire the prosperity of our undertaking, and
cannot believe that, for the want of a little more ready means, Swarthmore College will
be obliged much longer to keep its doors closed against those now so anxiously waiting
C
to receive its blessings.
Let us search our own hearts and see whether it is avarice,
covetousness or inability that causes us to withhold.
-i*May those blessed with an abundance feel constrained to give; the concern
living with them by night and by day, until the purse-strings break asunder, and they
make an investment that shall yield a greater income than any other, because invested in
doing good; not good to the present generation only, but generations yet unborn shall
rise up and call them blessed.
•*!{ the institution be properly conducted -under the supervision of a conscientious board of managers, aided by a corps of teachers feeling the responsibility resting upon them, may we not confidently expect to see the recipients return to the paternal roof with minds richly stored, able to hold converse with every department of nature,
seeing the impress of the finger of Omnipotence upon all His works, pointing to the
mysterious future where we are all to render our account for the improvement of time
and talent?
Then will they shine as stars of the first magnitude, and, with an eye
directed to the Great Teacher, they will be fitted for usefulness in any sphere they
may be called upon to fill; their whole being having been properly developed.
took but one share at the time referred to, thou
would gladly have
J3S. ^c
v
| taken fifty, if consistent; neither have I seen the way clear until now to take any
I more. And this will he but the widow's mite in comparison with what is needed; yet it
jJ
! shall go with, 'Heaven bless the undertaking.'
I have no means but what I have earned
| in the schoolroom, yet I trust the remainder will supply my simple wants and the
I demands affection may clainu^
!
^ t s h a l l send by express two one hundred dollar Government Bonds, trusting
5
I they will get to thee in s&f
yJSLJ
How the college grounds and\^b*e still incompleted building impressed a nonQuaker observer who signed himself "Irikee Penn" is seen from the account which he wrote
of "an Excursion on the West Chester and Philadelphia Railroad."
His article was
written for the Philadelphia Press, and extracts from it were published in the Friends'
/6a
Intelligencer
for 9th. Month 7,1867.
^Swarthmore College.
The part relating to Swarthmore was a.s follows;
This edifice, now in course of erection, was named
«Swarthmore^ after the manor on which George Fox resided in the latter years of his
life, and it is particularly specified in the act of incorporation granted by the
)
i Legislature that this name shall be retained so long as the building is used for edu-
!
j cational purposes. The property bought by the association consists of 92 acres of land
I
\ fronting the railroad; it is a portiog of the old West estate.
The building in which
i
! the celebrated paintei? Benjamin West was born is to be seen, with its giant English
i gable and hipped roof, at a short distance to the southeast of the college, and is still
, in a good state of preservation.
No change ih its original features has been made,
1 except such as may have resulted from the removal of the old-fashioned painted eaves.
I The room in the northeast corner of this dwelling is pointed out to the visitor as the
j spot where the great painter first saw the light of day; here was spent the childhood of
Ii
I him who gave to the world that renowned painting known as "Death on the Pale Horse,*
i
i which now forms such a prominent feature of that valuable collection of artistic gems
\at the Academy of Fine Arts in Philadelphia.
'"The
of Swarthmore
College is on high ground, a few hundred yards
J 1
Vol. 2d
P p .location
427
Z^M^izp
fa • Lf-1
i
from Westdale station, and commands a splendid view to the east and south.
Viewed
from the railroad, it will present, when completed, a truly grand and imposing appearance.
The main building will consist of a central front of dressed granite, sixty
feet wide, and five stories high, with connecting wings on both sides four stories
ihigh.
The whole length of the building will be three huixdred and eighty-six feet,
with a depth of from ninety to one hundred and twenty feet.
The building is to be
covered by a Mansard roof, and the entire cost is estimated at nearly $200,000.
sJThis structure is being erected by the Hicksite Friends, and the provisions
made by its founders for the admission of pupils are exceedingly liberal.
Those belong-
ing to other religious denominations can send their children to this institution under
certain mild and equitable conditions, while at the same time their religious convictions,
whatever they may be, will be strictly respected.
There has long been needed a
school of the highest grade (such as this), free from the contaminating influences by
which so many of our colleges are surrounded, and yet which shall be in perfecj4eeping
with the progressive ideas of the age.
^ I n alluding to its location, the Delaware County American, an\| excellent and
ably edited paper published at Media, says: *Ko more suitable place for the college
could have been chosen.
It combines all the advantages of secluded rural life with
direct and frequent access to the city.
The farm includes a romantic piece of
woodland bordering on Crum creek, which, in one place is overhung by a rocky precipice
not less than one hundred feet high, among the recesses of which grow a variety of
mosses, wild flowers, and ferns.
This property is skirted by Crum creek along its
western boundary, and affords, by the rapid flow of its waters, both sights and sounds
of beauty.'
N e a r l y half a mile from Westdale station the cars pass over Crum creek bridge,
which is 800 feet long, and 80 feet high from the water to the level of the iron track.
It has recently been entirely rebuilt.
Here a fine view is to be had of the windings
of the creek.
short distance beyond Crum creek, and just eleven miles from Chestnut street
bridge, is Wallingford station, in the vicinity of which a large number of Philadelphians
reside, who daily go in by the cars to attend to their respective vocations in the
city; they find this a more economical plan of living, and a more healthy and pleasant
one.*
The next glimpses of the progress of the college come from the time preceding
the annual meeting of the Corporation in 13th. Month, 1867.
the following appeal appeared in the Intelligencer:
One month before it was held,
^ S w a r t h m o r e College.
A s the annual
meeting of this corporation approaches, some subjects demand the attention of Friends
which it will not be unseasonable to advert to at this time.
The question as to whether
the school shall be opened next autumn will now have to be met and definitely settled.
In view of the large numbers who anticipate sending their children to this school, and
the great disappointment and discouragement which delay would occasion to such and to all
interested, it may be said that the solution of this question involves, to a certain
extent, the su£cess of the enterprise in all its bearings.
The building is now inclosed,
and if not delayed for want of means, could be sufficiently completed in the nine months
remaining before the opening of the next school year, the plan of instruction has been
nearly digested and agreed upon, the Principal of the Preparatory Department and Matron
have been appointed, and nothing is needed but sufficient funds to warrant the work
being vigorously prosecuted.
A very short time will elapse before the Board will have
to decide upon the course they will pursue in this matter, and the decision will depend
entirely upon the funds subscribed.
Will not those who have accumulated mfcre than they
need for themselves and families, see to it that this good work be not marred or unnecessarily postponed?
Those who have the business chiefly ih hand find it very difficult to
-1——gol^JPilm p, 560^
ism ^bb
call personally upon mary who would doubtless respQnd favorably if solicited.
Nothing
encourages them in their arduous undertaking like liberal subscriptions voluntarily
tendered.%
/fc/^v—*^- X^r^y^-/
7
To re-enforce this appeal, a listtof gifts made tola'colleges during the preceding year was published in the Intelligencer for 11th. Month 30, 1867.
Including
the gift of $760,000 from Ezra Cornell to Cornell University (by far the largest), the
&
jfc/Wv^T--tfvj-
average for the^gi'colleges was about $98,000 and without it about $"^,000.
This is
a small sum in our eyes today, but to the Friends of 1867 it was their hearts' desire;
and its interest even for us justifies its publication, as follows:^The past collegiate
year has been one of unexampled liberality toward our higher educational institutions.
Ou.r colleges, old and new, have received the donations of their generous friends in such
amounts as to inspire them with new vigor, while adding to their means of usefulness.
Some idea of the aggregate amount of these benefactions may be gathered from the fAllowing table, which we find in the Yale Courant, and believe to be trustworthy.
In this
list no account is made of the amount given, in the way of land grants, to the Agricultural Colleges.
The handsome gift of Mr, Cornell was made in 1865, but is given
below, as it was not applied until within the last year:
Albion College, Albion, Mich
Baldwin University, Berea, Ohio
Beloit College, Beloit, Wis
Bowdoin College, Brunswick, Me
College of New Jersey, Princeton
Cornell University, N.Y
Cornell College, Mount Vernon, Iowa . . .
Cumberland University, Lebanon, Tenn
Dartmouth College, Hanover, N.H
Dickinson College, Carlisle, P a
Hamilton College, Clinton, N.Y
Hanover College, Hanover, Ind.
Harvard College, Cambridge, Mass
Keuyon College, Gambier, Ohio. . . . .
Jjafayette College, Easton, P a
r k c Kendree College, Lebanon, 111
^Lawrence University, Appleton, Wis
N.W.Christian University, Indianapolis
Norwich University, Northfi^ld, Vt
..
$25,000
103,000
18,000
27,000
20,000
760,000
25,000
35,000
35,000
100,000
94,000
25,000
400,000
35,000
90,000
20,000
20,000
35,000
16,000
i o (s
|
J
i
5
Oberlin College, Oberlin, Ohio
Otterbein University, Westerville, Ohio
Rutgers'College, New Brunswick,N.J.
Shurtleff College, Upper Alton, 111
Tufts College, Medford, Mass
University of Mississippi,Oxford, Miss.
! University of Chicago, Chicago,111
Wabash College, Crawfordsville, Ind
Washington University, St. Louis, Mo
;
I Wesleyan University, Middletown, Conn
; Western University, Pittsburg, P a
' Yale College, New Haven, Conn
Total of 31 Colleges
$34,000
30,000
50,000
80,000
300,000
25,000
100,000
40,000
100,000
98,000
95,000
206.000.
$3,041,000
The fourth annual (meeting of the Corporation on 12th. Month 3 , 1867, was
twice announced in the Intelligencer^
journal.
but no account of it was published in that
This appears to be a strange omission; but perhaps the wider distribution
of the ^Minutes of the Proceedings** in pamphlet form was deeded to be sufficient^ or
the large amount of space devoted by the Intelligencer to the organization of the Firstday School movement at this time may have crowded Swarthmore College temporarily from
its pages.
Indeed, the true explanation of the omission may have been the dark and
difficult financial situation which confronted the College at that time.
The day before the Corporation's meeting, the Managers met in regular meeting
and adopted, first, a set of twelve By-Laws.
A committee of four (Edward Parrish,
T . Clarkson Taylor, Edith W . Atlee and Harriet E . Stockly) had been appointed on 12th.
Mohth 4 , 1866, "to draft By Laws for the government of this Board."
Five months
later, the committee presented a draft which it had prepared; and on 12th. Month 2 ,
1867, its draft was "again read, united with and adopted."
Two years later, 12th.
Mohth 7, 1869, a committee of six (William Dorsey, Edward Hoopes, Samuel Willets,
Elizabeth B . Smith, Hannah W . Haydock and Edith W . Atlee) was appointed "to revise the
By-Laws and propose wuch change as is necessary for the proper management of the
Tr
Voli 04, VjL 603, 617,-
college.
- A recess was then taken until 2.30 P.M., when the committee reported
the following By-Laws for the government of the Board, in place of those now in
forced
These provided for four (instead of three as previously) s tat edpaee tings of
the Board annually (on the first Third-day in the Fourth, Ninth and Twelfth Months,
and on the adjournment of the annual meeting of the stockholders), and for special
meetings to "be called by the Clerk, when requested by five members.
32 members were to form a quorum.
Eleven of the
The officers were to include a clerk, assistant
clerk, treasurer and auditors, and the committees on finance, property, instruction
and household.TPIn 1369, the s&ge officers were retained, bjit the/committees were re*
riuAfVy
duced to\©aa* - the Exe cut i v e ^Commi t tee £.
/vB
sign and issue certificates of stock;
The treasurer and clerk were jointly to
„
and the treasurer was to cooperate with the
Finance Committee in investing the funds, and to report to the Board in 4th. and 12th.
Months.
The Finance Committee was restricted in 1867 to three members (but this restrio-
tion was removed in 1869); and it was to draw all orders on the Treasurer for expenses
authorized by minute of the Board, at least two of its members to sign the orders.
The
auditors were to audit the treasurer's accounts twice yearly, and in 1867 they were to
audit the accounts of the various committees, and of the preparatory department and
college when so instructed by the Board.
In 1369, the Committees on Property, In-
struction and Household were omitted from the By-Laws, but in 1867 their duties were
defined as follows: The committee of three on property were to have charge of the real
estate and the appointment and direction of those having care of the grounds; the
committee of five on instruction (the President being ex officio a member) were to fix
the fees for students and "advise with and direct the President as to the appointment
of the Professors, Teachers, and others connected with Instruction, subject to the
approval of the Board"; ajeommittee on the household, undefined in number but with the
Matron asyex officio a- member, were to supervise the household and laundry, the
. - The** were printed in an 8-page leaflet by Merrihew & Son,Printers,Ho. 243 Arch
St.,%hila., 1867.
«i - This was confided, in 1869, to the treasurer alone.
appointment of domestics, and the purchase, care and repair of the furniture, "bedding
and household linen, subject to the approval of the Board.
Instead of these three committees, the By-Laws of 1369 provided for an
Executive Committee of 16 members to have "general supervision of the college &c. during
the recess of the Board of Managers and subject to its approval shall decide upon such
appointments of Professors and Teachers as may become necessary?; to appoint other
employees; and to "render the Faculty such aid as may be in their power in relation to
Instruction and discipline and report their proceedings twice in the year to the Board
of Managers."
^
T ^ M z
The Faculty was to consist of "the President and other Professors of the
College, with the Principal of the Preparatory Department and Matron"; it was to "hold
regular meetings, arrange the course of study, determine the qualifications for admission
into the several departments and classes, and for graduation, decide upon rules of order
and determine all questions pertaining to the discipline or instruction."
This last
power was restricted in 1867 by the words, "submitted to them by the President or by the
Board"; but in 1869, the right of the initiative was\giwe» to the Faculty, "subject to
the approval of the Executive Committee."
It was also to "report through the President
to the Board at least twice in the year."
The annual report of the Managers to the Stockholders was to be framed by the
President and chairman ("the first named") of each standing committee, and to be submitted to the Board for approval at the meeting immediately preceding the annual meet-
fit
ing.
Finally, the By-Laws might "be altered or amended at any meeting of the Board
next preceding the annual meeting."
.
•
With the progress in building and organizatioi^ made in 1867, there became
more pressing such problems as the curriculum and discipline.
Co+e&ucatioh had been
decided ppon as a matter of Quaker principle from the beginning; but realizing that it
fV During the years preceding 1930, the standing committees of the Board included the
Executive,Finance and Audit,Trusts,Instruction,Buildihgs and Property,Household.
Library, Observatory, and nominating.
«<»
.,
X - After the merging of the Corporation in the Board and the cancellation of the
stock,the Board's annual report to the stockholders was superseded by the President's annual report to the Board.
was still a doubtful problem in the minds of most A m e r i c a n ^ tod of many Friends, the
Friends' Social Lyceum invited William Henry Farquhar of Maryland, Benjamin Hallowell's
brother-in-law, to deliver a lecture before it on 2nd. Month 12, 1867, on the subject
of "The Education of Girls."
Intelligencer^
Extracts from the lecture were published in the
and they show that while the lecturer accepted fully the (quality of
women with men, he denied that they were man's equivalent.
He therefore deprecated
giving the suffrage to women and a classical education to girls^ - as he had regretted
to observe was the practice at Vassar; "the problems of existence, the great art of
living (or science, as it well deserves to be called) will furnish the best lessons."
If music is to be barred from Friends' school^then poetry must be stressed as a partial equivalent; and "at least three books of solid character" should b^read for every
book of fiction.
The careers of teacher, physician and preacher were destined to beTf
come women's special field, and their education should be guided accordingly.
The
touch of conservatism ih the lecturer's ideas called forth diverse views from his
Philadelphia auditors, the Intelligencer's accouht of the meeting concluding with the
following paragraph: Jj*At the conclusion of the lecture some comments were made by
those present, in which the idea was maintained that the education of the sexes should
be in all respects equal, and that no partial culture would meet the requirements of
woman's high calling.
The great bane of female education is the idea that it should be
directed to make women attractive, the preference being given to music and kindred ornamental pursuits, at the expense of those substantial, linguistic, mathematical and
scientific studies which have been selected for young men as the result of long experi ience, to develop the intellect, improve the memory, and evoke the power of classifying
; ana expressing thought.^
Two months later, the advocates of an equal education for women had reprinted
/Tot
in the Intelligencer"the New York Tribune's
on "The Education of Women."
Sc- - V0I4 31, Vp. DC
39t
^ - ^ T J ^ i J 3 4 ^ y p . 90 - 9 1 .
report of a lecture by O.B.Frothingham
This was a virile argument in favor of the highest pos-
2SK-
0
3
I
sible education of women, and the lecturer praised the educational system of Antioch,
Oberlin and the University of Michigan's Normal School; "he also gave a glowing
description of Vassar College, as striking the keynote of education for women in America."
John Stuart Mill's powerful inaugural address at the University of St. Andrew,
J7t
Glasgow, in February, 1867, was published in extenso in eight numbers of the Intelligence^
and its cogent reasoning in behalf of the higher education of men and women alike
doubtless fortified the founders of Swarthmore in their convictions.
Physical education, too, was by no means neglected, the Intelligencer adding
to the Swarthmore advocacy of it a forceful appeal in its behalf which had appeared in
Jl2
the Philadelphia Public Ledger.
A n unusually fine session of the Teachers' Institute
of Chester County, Pennsylvania, #eld in West Chester, in Octobeiy 1867, was reported
Hz
fully in the Intelligencer for the behoof of Swarthmore's constituency.
So^rtr^—
/
7
4
The subject of proper discipline in schools was raised in the Intelligencer
by a brief article signed "E.P."(Edward Parrish ?),
which had been inspired by the
J
n 5
rules in force in the "Aimwell School, founded before 1800 by Anne Parrish.
E. P .
expresses his own theory of discipline in the following paragraph;^*It is painful
to observe, even in schools under the care of Friends, how readiness in memorizing
r
lessons, oj^ facility in acquiring favorite branches of knowledge, is made the ground of
preferences among the pupils.
The smart s6holar too often enjoys the special favor of
the teacher, though possessing, perhaps, less of the really commendable graces than
some who are less apt at learning.
Every loving parent must feel that this is wrong;
the hindmost of the flock often claims the largest share of parental love.
The very
absence of that facility which is sometimes early developed, though by no means indicative of real superiority, is an incentive to affectionate care and encouragement on the
part of the disciminating parent. So should it be in that larger sphere, outside the
;
1 - -Voir-34^ P p . 189, 205, 222, 238,253,271,286,302.
2 - Ibid. V o l . 0(k, p. 4 7 5 .
3 - > V o l * flfr, "Pp. 584, 600, 621, 638.
A ^ o l t 3i> -pp. 51 ~5~2.
15 -"It is believed to have been the first established of the now numerous free schools
in P e n n s y l v a n i a ^ ' J j ^
.
bn
I domestic circle, into which we are obliged to send our children for mental discipline
and culture.
Who can tell how much, of the injustice and unreasonableness of men and
women is to be laid to the charge of this vicious school discipline? how much of the
selfishness and unhallowed ambition of adult life was fostered into growth and activity
at school?^
also quotes with approval the following "regulation" of the school referred to: "It is recommended that they (the teachers) endeavor to encourage the diffident, repress the forward and presumptuous, and bestow just and ample commendation on
the diligent, attentive and orderly, however dull their capacity or slow their progress; and in an especial manner to endeavor to imbue the minds of the children with
religious principles, which will be of far greater importance to them in more advanced
/ri
life than any other part of their education."
^-vC
I tL 7 ~L ?
At the meeting of the Board on 12th. Month 2 , 1867, besides the adoption
of the By-Laws, reports were read from the President and the Treasurer.
The minutes
record: "The Beport of the President, embodying those of the several Committees on
Building, Property, Household & Instruction, being read, was approved and directed to
be so modified as to serve as an Annual Report to the Stockholders and forwarded to
their meeting tomorrow."
The President's report was summarized as follows:
"1 - The whole amount subscribed and donated since last year's report (12
M 1866) is $ 3 0 , v i z .
district $8,829.
Prom the Philadelphia district $19,995.
From the Baltimore district $250.
From the New York
From the West $1,200. This is
exclusive of a conditional subscription designed to reach $50,000 in 20 subscriptions.
Several thousand dollars of subscriptions prior to 1867 are still unpaid."^
The Corporation's minutes add at this point in the President's report the jCf.'il
X^-
Numerous echoes of these views on education will be found in the Managers' report
to the Corporation at its meeting on 12th. Month 3, 1867.
2 - The Corporation*s minutes give this as $30,274, which is the correct addition.
3 - The Corporation's minutes report this as follows: "A subscription list was headed
by a subscription of $5,000, to which two of like amount have been added, and four
of $2,500 each, conditioned b j $50,000 being obtaihed in twenty subscriptions.
(Continued on P . ±54-—
a\L
0-_
^3/H
—i
3//-/
J
3 / H
1 6 4
—
j^.ni^m
^Continuation of Footnotes
Pagej^tS^
One of these amounts($5,000) has been paid, and is included in the above aggregate.
Should we be able to make up the sum required, so as to secure these subscriptions,
it will probably be by including several sums already subscribed and reported, though
if
not paid.
The Corporation's minutei^BBy: "We regret that several thousand dollars subscribed
previous to the present year, all in the Philadelphia and Baltimore districts, have not
been paid, and that some shares on which one or more installments have been paid will
be forfeited.
All the unpaid subscriptions considered available amount to $14,000.
The amount collected since last report is $36,590; now in the hands of the Treasurer
»
and receivers, bearing interest, $9,950.95.
i s ^
following:JpThe labors of the stockholders' Cogjmittee to solicit subscriptions have
been much retarded by sickness and other engagements, and the city of Philadelphia
and surrounding country have not been thoroughly canvassed.
Some who would be likely
to subscribe have not been called on, and others, who have given it favorable consideration, have not yet determined upon the amount they will invest in our stock.
*Our former experience is confirmed, that a single individual cannot advantageously carry on such a canvass.
He must be introduced and seconded in his efforts
by persons of influence in the several neighborhoods visited.
Individuals disposed to
aid in the work must first subscribe themselves, and then be willing to join in soliciting others with whom their example and personal influence will have weight.
•*The plan of holding conferences, in which the whole subject can be presented, is strongly urged, as likely to produce in the future similar favorable results to
those realized in the first opening of the canvass.
*We recommend that conferences be held in every Friends' neighborhood throughout the limits of the three learly Meetings, and a general and united effort be made
through local committees, judiciously selected, to call upon Friends and others favorably disposed, to raise at least another hundred thousand dollars, - a sum without which
it will be out of our power to complete the building and open the school with its full
number of students.
W e are again reluctantly compelled to leave in uncertainty the time of opening the preparatory school; the funds collected and subscribed are not sufficient to waiv
rant it.
TThether we should decide to open with part of our building, and only half the
full number of students, or with our whole establishment completed, and ready lor the
easy and comfortable accommodation of its three hundred inmates, it is equally necessary to postpone the decision of the time of opening at least till our meeting in the
Fourth month next, when the results of the winter's canvass for subscriptions will be
known.
•
4--1
3/3
and the Board are as anxious to render the outlay already made available as are
their numerous constituents; they can only urge the speedy removal of the cause of
delay, which now, for the first time, arises from the want of sufficient means.
If
every one already interested will duplicate the former subscription, and obtain at least
one new subscription of like amount, we will push on the work to speedy completion.
*No delay has occurred thus far in the progress of the building, that ample
means and earnest endeavors on the part of the Board could avoid.
It now rests with
those who are most deeply interested in the speedy completion of this great work,
whether it shall progress to its final completion without the delay which must occur
if the money is not soon subscribed.''
The Board of Managers only await the reception
of means, - bound, as they are, by that most excellent provision of our charter,that
no contract shall be made by them unless the money to meet it is in the treasury.
•Visits to the grounds and buildings of the College are recommended as a
mea^ of interesting those who have never seen then.
Daring the past year several ex-
cursion parties, planned by our President and Coomittee to solicit subscriptions
(without expense to the Corporation), have greatly increased the interest of those participating in them,
^ I n the progress o
selves, which have been carried out.
_
everal alterations have suggested them-
A n additional story has been added to the kitch-
en building, giving ample lodging and living rooms for the whole corps of domestics,
besides an increased laboratory and chemical class room in the rear of the large
lecture hall.
Stairways have been added in the rear of the return wings, with a view
to more perfect safety of egress from the upper stories under every possible contingency.
The remarkably large and well-proportioned attic under the lofty French roof
of the centre building is adapted to a museum of natural science and the arts, being
.nearly 60 feet square, with a ceiling 18 feet high, and light from dormers on all sides.
!It is hoped that the liberality of the friends of science may, at no distant day,
3—
render it a depository of a collection worthy of an institution designed to be so
largely devoted to scientific and practical instruction.*
The President's report to the Board c o n t i n u e s T h e Building has progressed steadily, several valuable improvements having suggested themselves and been
adopted.
Tne whole sum expended for construction thus far is $110,000, bills unpaid
amount to $5,304.07, making $115,304.07.
$ll,493«22^of this sum has been consumed
upon the water-works & culvert, for sash, glass, glazing & painting, insurance, floor
boards, & lumoer on hand & other expenditures tending to the further prosecution of the
work.
3.
The estimates for completing the whole building amount to $74,220,
exclusive of laundry, gas works, & apparatus for heating & ventilation, which will cost
JJ'
about $32,000, making $106,000 necessary to render the building tenantable.*
The President's report to the Board did not include the following interesting
paragraphs on "The Farm" which were included in the Corporation's minutesj^fThe Property
Committee have confined their efforts to farming the land, with a view to getting it in
grass next year.
A crop of oats on the front lawn, which promised remarkably well,
was much injured by the very unfavorable weather, continuing several weeks, during the
time of gathering it.
The corn planted in the rear of the building yielded well, and
will pay the expenses of the farm for the year, except the cost of manure.
**The time has nearly arrived wheyj, under judicious advice, such planting,
grading and laying-out of walks as will be necessary to embellish our grounds, should
be entered into.
A variety of evergreen and deciduous trees have been offered to us
free of charge, but it seems to be the general opinion that no advantage would result
from covering the front lawn with trees likeljjto grow to sufficient size to obscure the
prospect.
A limited number of well-assorted trees, in addition to the already fine
growth ©t indigenous , trees
in
of the grounds,
with hedge
shrubbery
. ,
„_ the rear portion
^
«
work and
and material
cost
of. in103~910"85'"
reduces the amount expended in inclosing the the.
whole
building
d
^ - T h e Corporation's minutes add: "The necessary furniture, bedding, table linen and
^ jcitchen utensils, and the philosophical apparatus, books,&c., are not included in
this sum."
\ in front, will suffice for the purposes of shade, ornament and i n s t r u c t i o n . ^
The following hrief statement in the President's report^-
"4. No further
appointments have "been made toward the organization of the School, but thg course of
Instruction has been carefully arranged and matured for the Preparatory School &
Edward H . Magill, the principal, has gone to Europe to pursue his studies^" - was
extended in the Corporation's minutes to include the following illuminating pages:
^Organization of the School.
The Principal of the Preparatory Department, Edward H .
Magill, is pursuing his studies in the European capitals in the interval before the
opening of Swarthmore.
Although numerous applicants have presented themselves for sit-
uations as assistants, it has been thought premature to make any appointments until
definite conclusions could be reached as to the time of opening.
^JAn outline of a course of study has been carefully prepared, adapted to a
three years' course in the preparatory school; and the various studies are so grouped
as to bring them within the scope of four, or perhaps five, resident teachers, besides
the Principal, should the school be opened with half its full complement of pupils;
several of the branches can be taught by non-residents.
^In the selection of teachers we shall be able to have both sexes represented,
though well-qualified women will generally be preferred.
Courses of scientific
lectures will be regularly delivered in the preparatory school by the President of the
S
College, and by other qualified lecturers, and means of illustrating them by specimen^
and apparatus will require to be provided.
*The merits and demerits of prevailing systems of education have been carefully studied by those charged with the organization of the school.
A common fault
with popular seminaries is their aim at a superficial polish, which will make their
pupils shine in society, without being well grounded in sound learning.
Prom this we
•mean to guard Swarthmore at the o*itset, our object being to teach a few things thorjoughly, rather than many stiperficially.
* I n the arrangement of our proposed preparatory course, preparation for the
College classes has been kept constantly in view.
All pupils entering the school
should be encouraged to continue in it at least for the remainder of the term of their
school education, and, if possible, throughout the entire collegiate course.
*Yet, although this has been the leading idea, the studies have been so
arranged that those leaving at the end of the preparatory course will have acquired
a good common school education, besides an acquaintance with the elements of the
sciences of botany, comparative anatomy, human physiology, physics and chemistry, the
Latin and French languages, and the practical branches of mensuration and surveying.
Those continuing through the College course will carry their scientific studies to
a much higher point, including practical and analytical chemistry, as taught in the
laboratory; their knowledge of the languages, including Greek or German, of history,
and of classical and English literature, will be extended and improved, and they will
pursue the higher mathematics and astronomy.
^Physical education is'now much lauded as a part of the systematic instruction in schools; professors of calisthenics are employed, and extensive apartments
are alloted to daily exercise in the light gymnastics.
This has grown out of the obvious
necessity for something to counteract the effects of excessive confinement and exhausting
study, as too often practiced.
While we do not deny the utility of the gymnasium for
e
boys, and the systematic education of the muscles for girls, we do not think th^se
should be allowed to supersede healthful outdoor walking, running, swimming, skating
and playing, - the spontaneous exercise of the young in youthful sports; and we should
regard any system as defective in which these natural means of recreation were allowed
to fall into disuse.
High health is essential to the proper prosecution of study, and
should be regarded as a desideratum for every pupil in our school; any deficiency in
this should call forth the solicitude of the teachers, and should lead to special
hygienic measures.
It is the experience of many parents that the regular habits of
155—
boarding-school life, its freedom from social dissipation and from the indulgences
of home, are promotive of health and equanimity of temper; and it is our intention to
aim at a just preeminence in this respect.
-
-
mean, alsoj that^our College shall possess the peculiar features which
give character to Friends' schools, without in the least degenerating into carelessness
or want of refinement; dispensing with the artificial manners of fashionable seminaries,
we shall aim to preserve a tone of decorum in the intercourse of teachers with pupils,
and of pupils among each other, which will commend itself to the approval of all who
appreciate the relation of manners to character, - of true politeness to a just sense of
moral obligation.*
The President's report to the Board included the following brief reference to
the Matron: "5.
The Matron has visited & resided for some time in Institutions where
large numbers of pupils are under instruction and has obtained valuable hints in regard
to the construction & management of our College."
To inform the stockholders more
fully, the following details were added, as published in the Corporation's minutes:^The
Household.
In the Fifth month last the subject of the appointment of a Matron, with a
view to the organization and supervision of the household, was introduced into the Board
by the Household Committee, and, after deliberate consideration, it was concluded to
appoint our friend Helen G . Longstreth to the position.
Her duties, in advance, include
the study of the internal management of other boarding schools and colleges, particularly
those in which females participate, and the maturing of the domestic arrangements of our
own, with the expectation that when it is opened she will occupy, in a degree, the place
of a mother to each of the inmates, - encouraging those who are depressed, affectionately
reproving any who may be forward or indiscreet, and advising with all in their difficulties.
*She will also oversee the housekeeping department, having supervision of the
«5,
£
)$
domestics connected with the kitchen and dormitories, apportioning the supplies, and
seeing that they are economically and properly cooked and served.
Her apartments are
cr
to he located in the wing appropriated to the girls, and will be accessibly to them
for confidential intercourse, and as a centre of refined social influences/
<*5ince her appointment, she has spent some time under the roof of the new
Vassar College, at Poughkeepsie, where, by the kindness of the 'lady Principal,* she
was made familiar with the details of that immense establishment.
She has been per-
mitted to acquaint herself in the same way with the workings of the Mount Holyoke
School, established by the laborious and self-sacrificing Mary Lyon, in which some
features of economical management were examined.
Several institutions have been
visited by her in company with our President, which visits have been instrumental in
guarding us against the mistakes of others, while many valuable hints as to the construction and management of our College have been obtained.®
^ ^ x ^ - U - ^ v v v y G-Crv ^XGLi.
H
The last item in the President's report was as follows: 6 .
It is proposed
that a large Committee of Women should be organized to look toward the work of providing the College with furniture and all the requisitesjfor the comfortable accommodation of its inmates.
Board."
This committee to cooperate with the Household Committee of the
The Corporation's minutes expand this proposal as follows;^Furnishing the
Building.
While we are engaged in securing the funds for the completion of the ex-
tensive building now just half-finished, it seems necessary to look toward the formidable work of providing it with furniture, and all the requisites for the comfortable
accommodation of its inmates.
''fcrhis it is proposed to intrust to a large Committee of women, who will
collect the means, and will cooperate with the Household Committee of this Board in
furnishing the sleeping apartments, parlors, dining room, kitchen and laundry, with
their necessary equipments.
Should such a course be approved, the appointment of a
few may be made at the annual meeting, with power to add to their number, including
Philadelphia and its surrounding counties in one branch of the Committee, New York.* in
another, and Baltimore in another.^
At the same meeting of the Board on 12th. Month 2 , 1867» the Treasurer, Henry
M . Laing, presented a report, an abstract of which is as follows:
^Cr.
Dr.
12 M 4.66 To Balance on hand
$35,002.31
12 M^J2.67To Installments on Stock, through C.M.Biddle,rec. [lleceive^j
"
"
«
«
«
"
"
"
"
"
Gr.H.Reese, Baltimore
"
»
"
"
"
Saml Willets.N.Y
28,611.00
E.Parrish
500.00
t
I
1
"
I
|
Donations.
"
. .
1,000.00
8,829.00
U.S. Bonds, sold
216.75
Interest a/c & Premi-um on U.S. Bonds
9 M 18.1866 By Property Committee .
i
] 11. 29. 67 « Organization a/c
i
I
| 11. 2 3 . 67 " Construction a/c
s
I
2,531.29
$76,690.35
$500,00
1,239.40
65,000.00
66.739.40
Balance in hand
$9,950»95
!
I
fin hand of Saml Willets.H.Y.
<
I In Bank
9901.
*
fi9.95
$9950.95
* Indorsed - Having examined the within account of Henry M . Laing Treasurer
^ of Swarthmore College and compared it with his vouchers, we find it correct
i
\
Signed
Isaac Stephens
3
Clement Biddle
1
Auditors. *
ii
1
•
\
The Board having heard and considered the Treasurer's report,\having already
expjpded considerably more than $100,000, with less than $10,000 on hand, and with
considerably more than $100,000 yet to be raised, adopted at the end of its meeting the
:
following mimite:7 PThe great necessity of raising increased means the present winter,
being considered, it is concluded to recommend to the Stockholders' meeting tomorrow
that Conferences be held throughout the three Yearly Meetings and that a general and
155*
0-
\ united effort "be made through, local committees judiciously selected to raise at least
; another $100,000, without which the Board regret they cannot engage to complete the
building and open the School, however great the disappointment to all concerned.
Then adjourned.
Edward Parrish, Clerk.*
The fourth annual meeting of the Corporation of Swarthmore College was held
in Bace Street Meeting-house the next day, 12th. Month 3, 1867.
Its "Minutes of the
Proceedings" contain the Report of the BoardfManagers (Pages 6 - 17) and the By-Laws
A
adopted by the Board (Pages 17-20), both of which were read and approved.
The
Corporation also re-elected eight members of the Board whose term of office had just
expired, and the two Clerks, Edward Parrish and Edith W . Atlee. „
^In~response to the report on building, "^the labors of the Building Committee
| were especially commended by some who, having visited the buildihg this morning, expres| sed themselves much gratified with the completeness, thoroughness, and economy of its
j construction.
Surprise was expressed that so much had been done with the means at the
j disposal of the Board, and the resolution was formed to lose no time in soliciting
jsuch an increase of the subscription as will insure the speedy completion of the build5
1
ling and opening of the school
The proposal to appoint a Committee of Women to collect means and cooperate
with the Household Committee of the Board in providing furniture for the college was
referred "to the female members of the Board, with power to act."
Grappling with the financial problem, the stockholders' meeting appointed
a committee of 21 men and 9 women Friends of Philadelphia, New York and B a l t i m o r e ^ to
appoint and attend conferences designed to create an increased interest leading to subscriptions to the stock, and to assist in raising local committees as recommended in
the report jof the BoardJ."
Besides this new committee, the "committee to solicit
subscriptions, engaged in the work the past year especially with reference to the City
of Philadelphia," were "continued and requested to add to their number."
'%
The following Friends were named, "with power to add to their number'jjj
(Continued un
IMn
9-
3
' Finally, the minutes report that in the meeting itself, "subscriptions were handed to
the Clerks, amounting to 21 shares, and 4 of those present engaged to pay $5 a month
to the funds of the College until it is completed.
Subscriptions by 29 persons,
amounting to 33 shares, were reported as having been recently obtained within the limits
Of Cain Quarterly Meeting."
With the minutes of the meeting, and probably in the meeting itself, the
following appeal was circulated, with five blank columns for Names, Address, Shares,
| Amount, and When Payable:/f*The Managers of Swarthmore College appeal to all to whom this
paper may be sent, to subscribe according to their means toward the completion of the
building.
The accompanying report will give the latest information in regard to the
; progress of the work and the estimates for its completion.
|
It will be seen that a
\ general effort is necessary in order to make the previous investment available.
l
If
t
j every one will subscribe, and call on a few others to follow the example, the object
| can be easily accomplished. Please forward the subscription papers to EDWARD PARRISH,
800 Arch Street, P h i l a d a . ^ j ^ C t ^ f ^ i
/
-were the means decided upon by the Board and the Corporation to meet the
V
gra^e financial crisis in the winter of 1867-68^^^ome adventurous spirits decided to
grapple with the emergency by unofficial and indirect means.
m
Intelligencer
Thus, we find in the
for 2nd. Month 15, 1868, the following notice: ^ F r i e n d s " Association
for Moral and Intellectual Improvement, and in aid of Swarthmore College.
An
Association has lately been formed under this name in Philadelphia, for the object set
firth in the title, as well as for promoting social intercourse.
Stated meetings
are proposed to be held at Race St. Meeting-house, on the first Fourth-day evening of
each month, and special or adjourned meetings at other times and places as may be from
time to time determined.
<6An Adjourned Meeting of the Association will be held in the Monthly Meeting
Room at Race St., on Fifth-day evening, Second month 20th, at half-past 7 o
'%i
- vol.
7931
323 -
1
President Parrish's Activities ^ j
The Summer of 1367 was "a very anxious" one for the Parrish family because
of the prolonged illness and death of Mrs. Parrish's father.
Dr. Parrish and his
brother-in-law, Dr. William Hunt, were left executors of the estate, with "large
discretion and great responsibility."
The autumn of 1867 was also very much occupied
by Dr. Parrish's search for and purchase of a suitable site for a new building for the
L>
YCollege of Pharmacy.
once.
Mi
/*£
Thus, he writes, frl am concerned in two building schemes at
Swarthmore is increasingly heavy requiring $100,000 more money next year.
is still undetermined whether it will be opened^ next fall.
It
Renewed energy has
been thrown into the concern by the late Annual Meeting and we are going to have conferences all over the country throughout the Winter & Spring - I also want to build
myself a Delaware Co home next year - have
the 'refusal' of a lot from John Ogden &c.,
An award of damages from the City for property taken by extending Chestnut St for the
111
bridge has just been made $10,000 nearly, to be divided between Bro W '
S
estate A m y -
self say $4,500 each.SK
Dr. Parrish's "Note" for 1 Mo 1.68 is devoted chiefly to an account of his
children.
"This New Year's day? he writes, "finds us again at Sarah Antrim's, 1015
Cherry boarders, but quite resolved to live another winter in a home of our own or at
leaserin one of our son Tom's.
In review of the year we have much to be tlmnkful for.
Some things painful in retrospect.
On the whole we have been greatly blessed."
"Tom" was at that time living with his parents, and "doing a pretty good
business; but his fiancee, Fanny, was "quite poorly, delicate & to say truth rather
unfavorably situated, residing with her Grandparents (Mott) who are much from home,
leaving her often alone for days, at Roadside." Fanny's mother, Elizabeth Mott Cavender,
had died in 1865, leaving her an orphan still in her 'teens.
Under these circumstances,
The site he found, recommended,and purchased was "the old Moravian burying ground
in the rear of 141 to 145 N . 10" St."
^"Note" of 12/10/67.
323 the young
m
pair were especially desirous of being m a r r i e d .
2
"Clem" h a d spent four
months of 1366 "in European tour cost abotit $1200 - his health seemed to demand the
}v
change & I gave y p m the copy money on 2 0 0 0 'Parrish's P h a r m a c y ' p r i n t e d in the spring.
(5" Mo ?)
I am satisfied it was money well i n v e s t e d .
He looks towards graduating
in the College of P h a r m a c y in 3rd M o . N a t u r e has not done so m u c h for him a s for his
brothers - physically - hence w e must do more."
E d w a r d , his father's n a m e s a k e , "tall
& robust", w a s then "a student of Trpy Polytechnic Institute - on a visit at h o m e for
the h o l i d a y s , h e returns tomorrow w i t h our fond h o p e s for m s preservation — Frank
still attends C S Hallowell's school - a good student & good b o y .
stout.
He grows tall &
I have seldom k n o w n a m o r e loving nature or a m o r e happy o n e .
Lizzie*^,
dear little g i r l , grows apace"; she had h a d a long siege with chronic b r o n c h i t i s , but
was cured, - "the most obvious instance of the currative power of cod liver oil I have
ever seen." - - - " %
de«|r M . |^Margaret| is not as active and well as she was a year
a g o , though I hope & trust w e are yet destined to enjoy for y e a r s , in the f u t u r e , that
companionship which has been the solace & comfort of our lives in the p a s t .
W e grow
nearer to each other each year that we take the joys & sorrows of life t o g e t h e r .
I
mp
think we have b o t h deepened in religious experience during 1 8 6 7 .
May we grow still
more in the best nature in 1 3 6 8 J ^
''Three weeks l a t e r , 1 / 2 5 . 6 8 , D r . P a r r i s h records that "after seven y e a r s '
service as Clerk of Philadelphia Mo M jiMonthly M e e t i n g j " , he was released at his own
request, a n d was succeeded b y W
m
C B i d d l e . "J^Swarthraore,* he continues, '•"goes on apace
in subscriptions - Large committees at w o r k , m e n & w o m e n , in P h i l a d ^ .
exactly how to go to work we would soon get the m o n e y .
The women take small subscrip-
tions from the rich - though some of them are doing a great w o r k .
Truman is an efficient n e w r e c r u i t .
If all knew
(George)
He and I go over the country t o g e t h e r , w e have
lately b e e n to Little Britain & Nottingham near the terminus of the Baltimore Central R . R .
The marriage occurred in A p r i l , 1 8 6 8 . D r . P a r r i s h ' s "note" on the occasion is a s
follows: "The death of Fanny's grandfather James M o t t , a few weeks b e f o r e threw
a shade over the o c c a s i o n . They went to housekeeping at 44 N 20" S t , a wee bit of
a h o u s e , which being put in elegant order & well furnished m a k e s a nice h o m e for
them - Rent $400 a y e a r . "
323 -
1
The people who are thriving farmers, millers & c . don't know how to enjoy the luxury
|of giving.
Yet we hope the result of 4 days work will "bring say $1200.
We have
I
appointed 6 conferences successively in Western Quarter "beginning 2" & ending 7"
day, at the close of the 6 monthly meetings.
I shall he away from two (on 2" & 4"
days) on account of lectures at the College of Pharmacy.
G . T . ^George Truman} is an
instance of a preacher with a fervent spirit, great enthusiasm & high ideality, a good
voice & presence, hut totally wanting in mental discipline & method.
He would have
been greatly improved by the systematic study of languages or science when y o u n g .
He is very popular however.
Pew people think very accurately or criticise what
sounds good & sincere."^
Third Month 1 2 , 1S&8, D r . Parrish called an active day, and mentioned its
several features as follows: Jf 11 A . M , the Building Committee met to revise the plans
of Swarthmore College with reference to proceeding at once with the plastering - in
session till near 4 p . M , determined the whole division Of the West Wing except some
details of the closets in the rooms, & of the bath & wash rooms - We have come to an
agreement more satisfactorily than I had anticipated.
Hugh Mc Ilvain & I used to differ
a good deal about the division of the dormitories, now we nearly a g r e e .
Detained till
almost 4 without dinner, except crackers & raw oysters."*
The rest of this day w a s devoted to a meeting of the executive committee
of the Nurses' H o m e , of which D r . Parrish was chairman; a meeting of a committee of the
College of Pharmacy on moving & storing the college equipment; some business at his
store; a nap at 1015 Cherry; tea with his wife and three brothers and their wives; a
lecture at the Franklin Institute by S . Leeds on Ventilation ("the audience was very
small.
I acted as spokesman at the close in expression of the interest & instruction
derived from this finely illustrated course of 4 lectures"); at 10 P . M . y waited on Wife
home & stepped round to the Dental College to attend the Commencement Supper - a fine
4
3
company - I was drawn out in a speech white- was much applauded.
12 1/4 o'c to bed."
Ret
a
"before
i&frr-t©
1 The attendance of Friends and others interested is invited.
$ 0- Vf-
It is expected that
j
j exercises of an interesting and improving character will render thwse meetings worth
i
| the attention of the old and young.
^
~1
Thomas H . Speakman, Secretary.^
vjji
[f- t^-H'"!
J
We hear hut little more of this enterprise.
m
A notice in the Intelligencer
for 4th. Month 11, 1868,' under the heading "Swarthmore Association", announces that
"this organization will meet on Fifth-day evening, 4th. Month 16th, at 8 o'clock,
at Race street Monthly Meeting Room.
Edward Parrish is expected to lecture.
Also
v
other literary exercises.
General attendance of Friends is invited.*
a /
r
^
F
u
x
,
One more notice of the "Swarthmore Association" appears in the Intelligencer
J1q
I for 5th. Month 30, 1868,
which announces that^this organization, designed to promote
the moral and intellectual improvement of those attending its meetings, at the same
time that the interest in obtaining funds to complete and furnish the College is kept
alive, meets at the Monthly Meeting Room, Race Street Mefiting-House, on the first and
I third Fifth-day evening of each month, excepting the Seventh and Eighth months.
The
; next meeting, to be held on the evening of Sixth month 4th, will be occupied with the
| subject of T h e Harmonies of Nature,
;
1
1
as illustrating the wisdom and goodness of the
Creator; to be opened by Thomas H . Speakman, and discussed by others present.
The
conversational character of these meetings makes them both profitable and e n t e r t a i n i n g ^
After this we hear no more of ttj^ and can but/conjecture t h a t w h y it appears
to have died in infancy was the fact that it seemed to be a competitor of the well
established and still flourishing "Friends' Social Lyceum."
It was, however, doubt-
less one of the "several organizations" referred to (hopefully, but obscurely) bj
President Parrish in his report to the Managers in Fourth Month, 1868. // Another attempt
unofficially to aid the college was made by an individual who signed himself or herself "R"; but an editorial note addressed to\
111
A
22. 1868. contains the discouraging renly:^
- V o l ^ T . f . 90.
- J f U 35, k 202.
- / V o l . 8 0 8 .
in the Intelligencer for 2nd. Month
"We think the suggestions of our corresr
~
"J
%L&>{\
L
j
j
A
il'iC't —
1
.1 ,
Am-ing the manuscripts preserved at Swsrthmore College, there are several
drafts of a Constitution^ - one of them in the handwriting of Thomas H . S:;.e*!nnan^ which v/ere probrbl; intended for this A s s o c i a t i o n .
The earliest of these called the new
association "The Swarthniore Contr ibutorshiu of rhilade]phia" , end three others are entitled "Constitution of the Swarthraore Association of Philadelphia."
Three of these have as their first article: "The object of this Association
shall he - 1st To aid the funds of Swsrthraore College - 2nd To advance the cause of Education by investigating & discussing the Lest modes of ruor«l & intellectual improvement,
3rd
To promote social intercourse and self-culture among its members."
One of them
saakes the first object to Le "To advance the cpuse of education by promoting subscriptions
to the fluids of Swarthraore College and by fostering ar. increased and cooperative interest
A
L
in the subject amon," parents and children."
The members of the Association were to b e "those who subscribe to this Constitution or authorise their names to b e enrolled as such and contribute not less than twenty
five cents monthly to the funds of the college; - all rlio may be members of any conmlttee
to solicit, subscriptions to th«j f-.:nds of the college and all stockholders of the college;
but the . .ertin & shall "be open to all members of the Society of Friends and persons who
are in the habit of attending their meetings."
The treasurer of the Association was to collect the monthly contributions and
pay the.« over to tie Heee:!.ver or Treasurer of Srartliwore College at least once in 2 m o n t h s ,
or whenever they shall amount to one hundred d o l l a r s .
Two of the drafts provided further
that "when the _ayments by a iy one person shall amount to
be obtained in the narae of such person."
a certificate of stock may
The additional proposal w a s m a d e , but r e j e c t e d ,
that "any less sums jless than $2Sj :a'y be consolidated and certificates obtained in the
name of any person who mey be designated by covaaon consent of the members to receive them."
The meetings were to b e h e l d in Ecce Street Meeting House "on the 1st & Srd
fifth day evening in each month at
may be held at Swarthnore."
past 7 o'clock except 6 " , 7" & 8" Months "'hen they
L5&?—H-
t,
xf
pondent 1 . on the subject of Swarthmore College are given at too late a period to
he of any practical benefit ."J
^ H f e /
^
>7
The earliest friends of the /college, too, were aging rapidly and striving
to complete their still earlier tasks before the end.
James Mott died on 1st. Month
26, 1868, ih the eightieth year of his age, when his wife, Lucretia, was seventyjj^wLvot 3 I f TP C s ^ s J & ^ J A r t t
/L^
five.^Tfoo lattor livedjnearly a dozen years^ longo&» but these were filled with visits
and messages to the monthly and yearly meetings of Friends and with long intervals of
f(\%
—
(f. ^va-rv- *—«<- " (f/hJ^svvu-a*.
illness. /"^Martha Tyson's husbfend had died
in 1367 at the age of eighty, while she,
in spite of sorrow and illness and the weight of seventy-three years continued to do
what she could within the confines of her own home^ and city for the welfare of her
m
beloved Society and its College.
i n the Intelligencer for 1st. Month 25, 1868, we
find a long article signed with the familiar "T'J and dated "Baltimore, 1st. m o . 4 ,
4.368."
This article was entitled "Beraarks on the Yearly Meetings of the Society of
Friends", and stressed the desirability of their having less crowded and hurried sessions. Referring to the last Yearly Meeting held in Baltimore in 10th. Month, 1867,
Martha Tyson says: "No opportunity had presented for those concerned in the better education of our members to have a meeting, nor until the annual sessions were over had
the friends and stockholders of Swarthmore College an interview for the comparison of
their opinions."
One month
Pl1
'•"•• pi m .t-TrreTsrr), Martha T y s o n a de^-
Scendant of Thomas Brown of Barking/v England\ and Philadelphia, sent a memorial of him
'
r
to the Intelligencer, in which she deprecates the period of "quietism" into which
^
L
The
'
Intelligencer of 4th. Month 18, 1868 (Vol.y3S>
105)^ announces the marriage
of "Thomas C., eldest son of Edward and Margaret S . Parrish", and Fanny Calender, at
the home of Lucretia Mott; If the beloved preacher could not go to the meeting, then
the meeting would feo to the preacher/
She was perhaps the "M.T." who sent a striking paragraph on "Sorrow and Consolation"
by "Christopher North" to the Intelligencer for 5th. Month 2 , 1868.
- Vol. 2d t P p . 716
4-/^.
„
O
1
#J
JJNIAA
<-—
MOTT
The following obituary notice appeared in the Philadelphia Post, January
27, 1868:
S
*~James Mott, one of the first of the Abolitionists, died in Brooklyn
; yesterday morning, at the residence of his son-in-law, George W . Lord.
When about
i a week ago he left this city, with his wife, Lucretia Mott, on a visit to M r . Lord,
I
j he was in his usual health, though feeble from a g e .
j gears old next June.
i family
He would have been eighty
His death was caused by a sudden attack of pneumonia.
The
were to have returned to Philadelphia last night, and due notice will be given
i of the burial, which will probably take place at the Friends' ground, at Fairhill.
•^No one, who is acquainted with the history of the anti-slavery movement, can
be ignorant of the services and good character of M r . Mott.
His friends cannot re-
i member the time when he was not the sworn enemy of slavery, and for more than fifty
: years he labored for its abolition.
When the whole nation, North and South, was
utterly indifferent to the rights of the colored m a n , James Mott stood among the first
of those brave men who denounced slavery as the sum of all villainies.
This is noth-
ing now, but it was much then, when even in Boston to speak against slavery was almost to invite the attack of a m o b .
So profound were Mr. Mott's convictions, that
he would have nothing to do with the institution in any way, except as its foe.
He
began life in the cotton business, but abandoned it from conscientious motives.
He
had been, as long as we can remember, the President of the Pennsylvania Anti-Slavery
Society^and recently of the Pennsylvania Peace Society.
We believe that he was born
in Few York State.
^SNot only in regard to slavery, but in all things, was M r . Mott a reformer
!
and a radical, and while his principles were absolute and his opinions uncompromising,
; his nature was singularly generous and humane.
Charity was, not a duty to him, but a
155. 3
delight, and the b e n e v o l e n c e which in m o s t g o o d men has some touch of vanity or
selfishness, always seemed in him p u r e , u n c o n s c i o u s , a n d d i s i n t e r e s t e d .
was long a n d h a p p y , a n d u s e f u l to h i s f e l l o w - m e n .
His life
He had "been m a r r i e d fifty-seven
y e a r s , a n d none of the many friends of James a n d L u c r e t i a M o t t need, to be told h o w
m u c h that u n i o n m e a n t , or what sorrow comes with its end in this world."^
156.
Friends sank in the 18th. Century, and from which they were just recovering in her
own time.
One of her characteristic comments on this period, which shows the "breadth
and liberality of her own spirit, is as follows j ^ A great and
almost exclusive concern
had commenced after the death of William Penn in 1718, in regard to those minor testimonies which, whilst they^considered them merely auxiliaries, yet felt themselves
1 called upon to maintain.
These minor testimonies after the first converts to the
i
\ faith had passed away increased in importance in the estimation of their survivors, and
V
?
^finally came to be regarded as amongst 'the weightier matters of the law.'
Austere
simplicity in dress, the use of the plain language, a regular attendance of meetings,
/and a disregard of some conventional observances (things good enough in their several
relations, but which, we mast admit, do not of themselves confer grace on those who
practice them,) placed such friends in some meetings foremost in authority in matters
of faith and discipline, and in certain instances led to testimonies of disownment for
noiwconformity, which at this time could not be suffered to take place.
Committees
were likewise appointed to visit members of the Society, and bear a testimony against
superfluity of every description.
These committees were called in derision by the
disaffected, 'Reformation Committees,' and the marks of their files, saws, and chisels,
are still to be seen in the houses of old fanilies , where chests of drawers, clocks,
and looking glasses, had, by their means been reduced to the desired standard.
. . .
^tWe make no further comments on such proceedings, but may be allowed to rejoice that our lot has fallen on more genial times.
^ h e Friends who are now the representatives of the great original principle
promulgated by George Fox and the testimonies which grew out of that principle, whilst
they continue to advocate the simplicity which the truth sanctions, exercise forbearance to their youthful members, who, being Friends by birthright only, must be sometimes
considered as unconvinced persons, and cherished until the time for convincement
arrives.
Friends now also give their attention to the advocacy of individual rights,
4§&*
13-
£
%
to extending the benefits of education to all classes, and to enlarging the 'metes
and hounds,' of "benevolence.
In the contenaplatioh of these grateful subjects, our
hearts are filled with gratitude to the 'Giver of all good' that the efforts made to
l
jpreserve Quakerism in the times of which we have written did not prove its destruction,
i
ibut that it has survived them all, and still lives, - may we not say even in its genuine
i
;brightness and purity?
For these favors let u s adojjt the language of the apostle w h e n ,
' on approaching Rome, 'the brethrem came to meet him as far as Appiiforum; whom, when
j Paul saw, he thanked God, and took courage,'
Let us also take courage, and hope for
; yet better days.^
Again, after Baltimore Yearly Meeting in 1368, she sent to the Intelligencer
a statement of the discussion which had occurred in that meeting on the condition of
the freedmen in the South.
^ J J U ^ J U L
^ l J U ^ c
H
Benjamin Hallowell, at the age of three score years and ten was still serving
as clerk of Baltimore Yearly Meeting and devoting many laborious hours to the welfare
/?2
of the Indians.
two letters,
In the autumn and winter of 1367 - 68, the Intelligencer
1,
contained
a long address, a report, a memorial, and an appeal on^sfarir behalf,
besides a lengthy lecture on education to the Baltimore First-day School, and the notice
of ^ M a n u a l for Young Friends.^
Intelligence^^
During the spring of 1868, he contributed to the
a series of articles on "Some Thoughts in Relation to Friends' Testi-
monies and Discipline," which were an expansion and "explanation" of his remarks in the
^Young Friends' Manual^ on the subject of music.
The admissibility of music to Friends'
homes caused a long and animated discussion at this time; and it is of much interest
to note the liberal but conscientious view of it taken by this outstanding Frien^knd
founder of Swarthmore College. In his <*Manual*> he had said: "Against Music in itselfj
although individual members may have, Friends as a Society have no testimony." What
-
Vol
IJ.\-S6s.
iuus- P . 597.
u
Vol
"
> 1 *6"7 ^ p p . 4 3 0 - 2 ^ 4 2 5 - ^ , 4 3 4 ^
>595-9<| ; 6 6 5 - 4 * 7 6 3 , 7 9 3 - A U Vol
y * * flP- 52 - f 4 , 68 - 71, 81 - g 4 , 97-101, 113 - / e ^
'
it&v
14-
he had long deplored was the waste of time, sedentary habits, injurious companionship,
the injurious results of places of inueioal diversion, and the expense, associated with
music.
But in this, as in all things else, he asserted the supremacy of "the Light
Within" each individual soul. J^If a man think it best**, he wrote in one of these
articles, J H o have any thing in his family, as a part of his family regulation, for the
amusement and recreation of his children, and to attach them to their home and family
circle, he certainly has a clear right to do so, under healthful regulation and restraint.
There is no Discipline against it.
There is no Discipline against a mus-
ical instrument, whether it be a piano or a Jewsharp.
Society interference in such
case with the sacredness of home privileges and domestic arrangements, would be highly
unjust, inquisitorial, and oppressive. Always, however, leaving the way open to concerned Friends to labor in Gospel love, to observe caution, moderation, and the limitations of Truth
For myself, I do not desire music, or musical instruments.
In my present
state of experience, they would be rather an annoyance than a gratification to me; and
I would advise all our members to abstain from them, believ^ing there are more improving and useful engagements in which they can employ their time.
liberty - freedom -
But I do love that
which has been imparted to us by a wise and good Creator, and I
desire that this should be accorded by our beloved Society
to all its members, in the
fullest degree short of intruding upon the just rights and privileges of others^The defense of this position led i*im into a long and searching analysis of
Friendly testimonies in general and the fundamental basis on which they rested.
Many
/n
of his correspondents, in private and public,
opposed his views; but these appear to
have been accepted by contemporary, as well as by later, Quakerism.
His spiritual
interpretation of Biblical language was further illustrated by his article on the mean-
/? s
ing pf prayer, and especially of prayer "in the name of Jesus Christ."
Cf. the Intelligencer , Vol. -86,
3 , 13. 57, 86. 106. 123. 133. 136. 165. 171.
Ibid,
756.
^ S r
Samuel M . Janney, now sixty-seven years old, contributed to the Intelligencer,
during the same months articles on Religion, Peace, and the Indians; and the next year
he was to enter upon the strenuous office of Superintendent of Indian Affairs.
Through-
out 1868, his pen was busy in contributing to the Intelligencer articles on "Public
200
Morals";
"Lay-Preaching";
"Vital Religion and the Means of Promoting It";
•^Review of two books by William Tallack.
and
When the third and fourth volumes of his
^History of the Society of Friends'* appear ed^^Edward Parrish royiawod tlaom in the
Intelligencer
for 4th. Month 4 , 1868.
7
He attended Philadelphia Yearly Meeting the
next month, and a paragraph quoted from one of his sermons
:
his fellow-leaders' views of Quaker "simplicity"?
w e r e
is typical of his own and
-
again referred, ^ the
paragraph reads, ^ t o the important principles embraced in the Third Query, more parti\ cularly regarding simplicity of dress and language; that in our conversation we avoid
!extravagant expressions, and the use of words which would bear a stronger inference
< than the truth would warrant; and that in our attire we follow not the vain and changing fashions of the world, which often involve those who furnish the means for their
. indulgence in perplexity and pecuniary embarrassment, but that, without being confined
to a peculiar cut or color, we practice true simplicity, which does not preclude taste,
i but is altogether at variance with extravagance. ** 1P He also used the opportunity
of this visit to Philadelphia Yearly Meeting to advocate the support of higher education in general and of Swarthmore College in particular.
The only reference to the
subject and its discussion in the Yearly Meeting itself is the following: ^®The Answers
to the Second Annual Query exhibited a total of thirty-nine schools under the care
of Monthly and Preparative Meetings.
Five of these schools are free to the members of
their own meetings. The want of provision for the school education of the children in
> h \ 9 V p p . 337-tt,353-5i~ 369-72, 467-4?
5 1 3 - &7" 58(^|J
7 2 5 - « 7 3 9 - 4 1 , 758,772^4,788-90,
h
;
n
-_ Yol
vol. a s , *p p . 1
i i
/-3
^
*
1 7 ) 4 9 7 - 5 0 2 , 522.This w a s soon a f t e r w a r d s p u b l i s h e d ih Tjamphlet form
/ / } / F r i e n d ^ P u b l i c k t i o n A s s o c i a t i o n , P h i l a d e l p h i a (Cf.the I n t e l l i g e n c e r " f o r 1 1 t h .
/ / Month 21, 1868rjro3rr- 35-, TP. 601.
/
-^Vol.
529-32 , 545-?/. 561-i.If.
P p . 74 - p .
J ^ I q I , 3b,
185.
<0 - 'Minutes of the Women's Yearly Meeting, 5th. Month, 1868.
^
155. 16
• some neighborhoods caused deep concern in the minds of many, and it was feared that
unless there was an awakening a serious loss would be sustained.
The large number of
children being educated in public schools occasioned much exercise, and parents were
exhorted to recall the feeling and counsel of our early Friends upon this subject, and
the care manifested by them to provide suitable schools.^
The Intelligencer had announced"* that "a meeting on the subject ofwPi-T'fiWday 7
SchoolefsWlll be held on/Fiftiyday evehing of Yearly Meeting weekf at 8 'o'clock, tea.
Race Street Meeting House J L ^
(The meeting, or conference, was duly held, and the Intelligencer
gives the
following account of it and of a series of local conferences preceding i t r ^Swarthmore College. At the Conference held in Third-day evening of Yearly Meeting week, a
large number of Friends interested in Swarthmore College were addressed by Saimiel M ,
Janney, George Truman, T . Clarkson Taylor, Edward Parrish and others.
The following
report was read, and $1150 subscribed by those present:
*'0n the 8th and 9th of First month last, Friends of Race St. and of Green
St. Meetings in Philadelphia were invited to meet and consider the claims of our
cause, and to appoint committees to aid in soliciting subscriptions.
Although neither
meeting was large, quite a number of Friends were enlisted in the work, and their
efforts have already added considerably to the number of subscribers in the city.
A
meeting at Germantown Meeting-house,on First-day afternoon, Third month 1st, was also
small, partly on account of unfavorable weather, but those present entered with zeal
into its object, and $1200 was subscribed at the time.
For the purposes of the committees canvassing the city of Philadelphia, a
directory has been made, a limited number of copies of which have been printed, giving
the names and addresses of Friends throughout the city; this list exhibits how great
a labor will be involved even in calling upon all who are able to give. Add to this
,
1 -
-
Vol .^flg^'^ .136, 153.
203 -04.
hBSn—3rT
3 3I
that m a ly when called upon are absent from h o m e , others require time to consider what
may be their duty in the matter while others are indifferent to it, a n d it will be evident that the labor will necessarily be protracted through the current year before
Friends generally in Philadelphia can be called u p O n .
^Notwithstanding the extreme inclemency of the w e a t h e r , a few conferences
were held during the past winter in the countryr these were mostly attended by George
Truman, Clement B i d d l e , Helen G . L o n g s t r e t h , a n d E d w a r d P a r r i s h .
Friends in the several
neighborhoods visited were earnestly invited to give of their means a n d influence in a i d
of the great w o r k we have in h a n d .
* A t West Nottingham, M d . , and Little B r i t a i n , Lancaster C o . , P a . , within the
limits of Baltimore Yearly M e e t i n g , conferences were h e l d on the 17th and 18th of First
m o n t h , resulting in subscriptions not yet fully reported, but probably amounting to less
than $ 8 0 0 .
From Second m o . ^ d to Second m o . 8 t h , inclusive, a series was held at the
close of the several Monthly Meetings composing Western Quarterly M e e t i n g , six in n u m b e r .
A t most of these encouragement was received, but a reluctance to subscribe was manifested
on the part of many of those p r e s e n t .
The subscription papers not h a v i n g been returned,
we can only estimate a n aggregate result from these six conferences of $ 1 8 0 0 .
^ A t a Conference held at F a l M n g t o n , J u c k s C o . , a t the close of the Monthly
Meeting on the 11th of Fourth m o n t h , although a committee was appointed at that meeting
to raise funds for the establishment of a neighborhood school u n d e r the care of Friends,
sufficient interest was awakened by the presentation of the claims of Swarthmore to induce
subscriptions, chiefly from those not previously interested, amounting to $ 5 0 0 .
f k Conference was held a t Newtown on the following d a y , at which some subscriptions were m a d e , but the list having been retained by a friend, to b e further circulated, the amount is not k n o w n .
•^Since the Annual Meeting in the Twelfth m o n t h , the amount subscribed, including some previous conditional subscriptions, now made a b s o l u t e , has b e e n about $ 3 0 , 0 0 0 ,
15§
i&r
3 3/ — /
(Which, if promptly paid, will meet the reqiiirements of the Building Committee for several months to come, but falls far short of the sum required to assure the completion of
the building.
vigorous effort is now needed to push forward the work of subscription,
so as to produce an additional sum of at least $60,000 during the current year.
Confer-
ences are in prospect in several sections which have already been the subject of correspondence, and the committee on the subject, which meets at Race St. Meeting-house on the
3d Sixth-day in each month, will be glad of the co-operation of Friends in their respective neighborhoods to call friends together at the close of their Monthly Meetings, or
at other times considered more suitable, to discuss with them the general subject of
education, with special reference to the work in hand.
It interests equally all members
of our Religious Society and all who affiliate with them, and it is hoped those who feel
its importance will lessen the laborsof the Central committee by aiding in getting up
such conferences wherever they will probably bring an increase of interest. As visits to
Swarthmore have often been found useful in interesting our Friends in the work, it is proTV
posed to fix one day in every month at which companies from various sections ca^ collect
at the College for a day of recreation, and to see for themselves the grounds and building."^
15&S—10-
3
We are not informed, how many of these proposed visits to the college grounds
were actually made.
The Friends' Social Lyceum probably made one
as its
"Fifth Annual Reunion on the Grounds of Swarthmore College" was duly announced in the
2-<4 ( M r
Intelligencer for 6th. Month
anth 5,
b, 1868.~
1868.~ \v Tx hh ee usual
usual account
account of
or tthis
m s retinion
reunion is
is not
not given
given
us in the Quaker Journal.U
' j
Jjl^Jl ^tCc^UJU.
y ^ ^ ^ d n ^
' O n 5th. Month 25 to 2 9 , New York Yearly Meeting occurred, and the cause
of Swarthmore was presented at a public meeting in connection with it.
Samuel M .
Janney, Deborah F . Wharton and George Tinman attended this meeting also, which, a
2-/7 \
correspondent wrote to the Intelligencer.
"was quite an animated gathering, and
a number of subscriptions were received."
Meanwhile, the Managers~of^h4^College had held the regular meetings prescribed in their By-Laws for 12th. Month 3 , 1867, and 4th. Month 7, 1868. At the
former meeting, the treasurer and two clerks were re-elected and the six standing
committees were continued as constituted during the preceding year.
These were the Coi»-
mitteeson Building, Finance, Auditing, Property, Household, and Instruction, the name
of the Advisory Committee being changed at this meeting to the Committee on Instruction.
At the meeting on 4th. Month 7, 1868, the Board accepted the Treasurer's
report, which read as follows}
j
/ 1867
j 12 mo 2
i
s
i
t
;
^Report of H . M . Laing, Treasurer
To :Balance as per last report
1868
1 mo 13
n
Cash received of C. M . Biddle, Receiver
2,000.00
3 "
26
H
•
"
1,515.00
n
28
II "
"
" C . M . Biddle, Receiver
"
do
1
do
It II 30
II "
"
"
Sam
6
II "
"
"
C. M. Biddle, Receiver
\ 4m(J
(
"
$9,950.95
- KVO-ITIfnl
1 - 1 \J Ji 1 WU ,
1nrt.Tt
O-IO
Willets, JT.Y. Receiver
1,005.00
700.00
2.500.00
$17,670.95
ass.
19
3 3 3
CP,
1867
12 mo 23
H It 31
By Cash pd, dft Construction a/c
H
"
*
do
do
$1,000
4,000
1868
1 mo
13
"
" *
do Organization a/c
»
24
"
"
do
3 mo
28
"
"
do Construction a/c
do
1,000
65.30
3.500,
Balance on Hand
Cash in Bank $2,504.65.
Philad
a
4/7 .1868.
$8,105.65
In the hands of S. Willets, IT. York
Signed
9,565.30
^ 5,601.
Henry M . Laing, Treasurer.^
The auditors reported that they had found the treasurer's account correct;
and they were "directed to audit the accounts of Clement M . Biddle receiver for the
Philadelphia district at his request & report at our next."
The "Report of the President" was then "read & claimed deliberate consideration."
It was as follows:
Since the last meeting my efforts have been almost exclusively directed
to obtaining increased subscriptions to the Stock.
Some of the newly obtained sub-
scriptions have been already paid in; the others including uncollected instalments on
stock subscribed previous to 1867 & some uncollected subscriptions made in 1867 amount
to $32,700; about $500 of the old subscriptions will probably be uncollectable.
Some
subscriptions, probably reaching about $2,000, made at a series of six conferences
held in Chester Co Pa in Second Month last have not yet been reported & are not included in the above aggregate.
Some of the subscriptions formerly reported as con-
ditional have since been made absolute & are included in this aggregate.
There are
some amounts in the hands of receivers not included in the Treasurer's Report, which
, will swell the resources at our command.
The Receiver in Baltimore has collected $600
iwhich he has paid to the Treasurer since his report was written; about 21 uncollected
t
Shares have been reported within the limits of Baltimore Yearly Meeting. The subscrip-
I tions in Heir York since our last reach $700, paid in.
Besides the Balance of
j $8,105.65 reported by the Treasurer, the Building Committee has near $3,000 in hand
i
i to meet its liabilities.
Active efforts are being made especially in Philadelphia
t to add to our subscriptions, committees are at work in earnest, & several organizations
are in existence within the limits of Philadelphia & Baltimore Y.Meetings, one object
of which is to obtain monthly contributions to our funds, paying from 25 cents to $5
per month.
•*A11 ideas of opening the Preparatory School next autumn have been abandoned,
and we devote ourselves for another year to obtaining means.
Our success during the
last few months should encourage us to this.
*0n considering the means calculated to awaken interest & call forth large
subscriptions, the Committee appointed by the stockholders to solicit subscriptions
are encouraged to organize excursions to Swarthmore, including in these our friends
from New York & Baltimore, to enable all who desire to visit the building & grounds
to satisfy themselves of the claims of our enterprize to their encouragement & support.
*The meeting then closed.
Edward Parrish Clerk.'*''
Amidst these varied and ingenious, but none too successful, means of increasing the college funds, President Parrish struck alternately or simultaneously
the notes of disappointment and determination, and the Board responded to both of
them in turn.
To be obliged to postpone for another year the opening of the Preparatory
School was evidently a bitter disappointment, shared with them by the large number of
parents and children who were eagerly anticipating i t . ^
•
c
"
~
'
On the other hand, such resounding phrases in the President's repott as
"will swell the resources at our command", and "we devote ourselves for another year
to obtaining means", reflect the spirit of determination which prevailed; while the
degree of self-sacrifice demanded of contributors of small purse and large heart is
indicated by the plan of collecting instalments of "25 cents per month^" /
n^jJ^A,
? 1 f .u,
J f k z
—i^A^Safc&J
iWr
3 3 3"
D r . Parrish added to his lectures, letters and personal appeals for funds,
during 1868, a variety of literary labors calculated to appeal directly to the corporate pride and loyalty of his branch of the Society of Friends, from whom the resources
of the college must be collected. For example, in his review of Samuel Mi Jannoy'-s
^.^A/vVM^-yi. v. ft/-—
^
third and fourth'volumes ofUs±s&History of Friends, he wrote thus candidly of the
Separation of 1827 - 28:
^ I t is no part of the object of this article to discuss
the theological questions opened up in this historical review.
vr
All interested in
this inquiry are referred to the work itself, where they ^ill find the separation
ably treated with reference to its theological and its disciplinary aspects.
I wish
it might be extensively read by the younger class in all the divisions of the Society,
to the end that the truth of history might be vindicated.
As one who in the exciting times of the great separation was too young to
enter into its spirit, and who has been always happily affiliated with many dear
friends of both parties, I should be loth to stir up a spirit that would wound or
destroy; yet I have been a witness to the strange anomaly presented by the professed
successors of those 'Sons of the morning,' of whom it was said,'See the (Quakers how
they love one another,' in our time not only divided, but actually at enmity, passing
;each other in the streets of Philadelphia with averted faces, one party invoking the
civil law to deprive the other of its property, on the plea of unsoundness of faith,
locking the burial grounds against worthy and esteemed Friends, on the plea that their
rights of .ambership were forfeited by disciplinary proceedings without warrant in
justice or precedent in the history of the Society, and even disowning young Friends
for witnessing marriages performed without priest or magistrate by the long sanctioned
ceremony of Friends.
As I have pondered these things, I have queried, should not the
new generation that has come up since this terrible rending of the Society, at least
upon it in the light of impartial
criticism,
Vseek Mtoe nlook
d a l back
Intelligencer,
74 -J7, (4th.
Month 4 ,with
1 9 a6 ^sincere desire
to learn the lessons which it teaches, and. to seek out the cause of the declension and
disunity which have been so fatal to the right progress and influence of the Society?
f r i e n d s are yet needed in the world, not to perpetuate useless peculiarities
or to propagate theories and dogmas already too much insisted on in various branches of
the church, but to illustrate in their lives and characters the great central fact of
the Divine light in the soul, a fact which partly, through their instrumentality, has
already obtained a lodgment among almost all denominations of Christians, but which
still needs a representative body prepared to show forth its glorious fruits, as did
our fathers.
^ T h e work of our day is to promote spiritualism against materialism, which,
Jjn science, now takes the name of Positive Philosophy and Psychology, and in the church
the more orthodox form of Ritualism.
^The real battle, now, is not so much between trinity and unity, faith and
works, predestination and free will, - the old mooted points of theology, - as between
the spiritual and the material, the infinite and the finite, the substance and the shadow; and it seems to me the legitimate successors of Pox, Penn and Barclay will find it
their mission to bury verbal and non-essential controversies in a practical testimony
to the inward and spiritual nature of true religion, possessing themselves in that
wisdom that is from above, which is ffirst pure, then peaceable, gentle and easy to
be entreated, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality and without hypocrisy
fie^became President of the American Pharmaceutical Association in 1868; and
also delivered in the spring of that year "the Valedictory Address to the Graduating
Class of 1868 0f the Philadelphia College of Pharmacy."
were published in the Intelligencer
Extracts from this address
one of t h e m V ^ f e o w i n g , a comparison of the facil-
ities for scientific studies in Philadelphia and in Europe, reading as followss^As
philadelphians we may properly desire to see our city take and maintain the position,
Lj? - J h k i r B & b & r ) . 125 -1.7. A fortnight later, the Intelligencer • (Vol, OS./ftp. 157 -S9)
-i /''published "Extracts from Valfcdictory Address to the Graduating Class^of the Woman's
Medical Collage of Pennsylvania,by Bneline H.Clevelahd, M.D.", which were probably
supplied by Dr. Parrish to emphasize the nedd of woman's higher education.
1
>37
of the leading metropolis of science in America.
Let our men of wealth contribute of
their means, our scholars of their stores of knowledge, our men of talent of their intellectual powers, our business men of their energies, and all of their active interest
and public spirit, and we shall see our fair city, as her population and wealth increase,
grow also in the elements of true civilization
^tftilitarian pursuits are liable to absorb an undue share of the energies of
our people; the struggle for wealth, for social position, and for political preferment,
seem in danger of usurping the place of those higher aims of ambition which lead to the
cultivation of science, literature and art.
To counteract this tendency, the principle
of association, the combination of many interested in a common pursuit, is the most obvious means; it fits exactly upon the republican system, and has the advantage of popularizing, while it promotes and encourages knowledge and skill/^
Another Philade ^
__
3 interest in the new
college by means of his pen was Thomas H . Speakman
articles fcir the Friends' Intelligencer
1
("T.H.sl1),
who wrote a series of
on "The Society of Friends."
The twelfth
x/dL
article in this series was on Swarthmore College, and was in part as follows:
considering, with a view to their removal, the many discouraging circumstances which
attentl our present condition as a religious body, we must not do ourselves injustice
by overlooking those of a more hopeful and encouraging nature. Among the bright features which our prospects now disclose, is the establishment of an educational institution, such as has been, ever since the separation, the crying want of our Society,
*To other religious denominations, who have as their exponents a specially
educated class, general education may be a matter of choice or fancy, but to us an advanced order of intellectual and moral culture generally is a necessity, if we would
maintain our proper relative position and influence, and keep pace with the advancing
spirit of the age.
Other denominations, which have an ordained head to each congrega-
—Intoliigcucer fui 10th. Month 10, 10C0 (9ol* 06, P p . 505
6.)^
j tion, may be compared to monarchies, bfit ours is a democracy, in which all are equal,
i
and whose well being, as in political governments, depends upon the general culture.
is true that we have, in different localities, many good schools, - some
under the care of particular and monthly meetings, and others kept by individual memb e r s ; and it is also true that very many localities are wholly without schools, other
!than those under the control of the public authorities.
In this state of affairs, and
^with the lukewarmness that so generally prevails among our members, a very large proportion of the many children requiring to be educated from home are sent to schools and
colleges where they are surrounded by influences which almost inevitably alienate them
from our Society, and the loss that they and we have thus sustained is almost incalculable.
Our great want has been, and is, a school or college second in point of grade
to no other in the land, that shall be recognized as a Society institution, and that
shall be designed and calculated to give to the cause of education a new life and
impetus among us; and where, at a moderate cost, all who teay wish to leave home, or
who desire a higher course than that furnished by their local schools, may be accommodated and trained in accordance with the views of Friends, and under the moral influences
so necessary to their future welfare.
This want is now happily about to be supplied
by Swarthrnire College.
have great reason to be thankful that a plan of organization has been
adopted for this institution so just and equitable, and in accordance with the mode of
proceeding usual among Friends, and which at the same time secures the rights of all
against those vicissitudes which experience has shown to be incident to religious organizations, and which, under other circumstances, have sometimes been the means of great
wrong.
&The most important question now connected with this enterprise is the means
necessary for its early completion, so that there may not be, from that cause, any delay
in opening the school for the accommodation of the many who are expecting, and some of
aa*. 3 3 f
| them probably waiting to avail themselves of it.
j
This communication is not intended
i as an appeal for subscriptions; but the general subject of contributions to such an
object affords occasion for many instructive thoughts and suggestions
^
subscription or a legacy towards the erection, equipment or endowment of
Swarthmore College, is liable to no such uncertainties and unsatisfactory results.
It
may be regarded as an investment in a perpetual saving fund, of which the Society of
Friends, as represented by the body of the stockholders of that institution, are the
trustees; in trust for the education of our children and our children's children, and
those of Friends generally, to the end of time, in the best manner, and under influences
conducive to the formation of habits and views of life which will furnish the best guarantee for their well being, and of which the chances of fortune cannot deprive them.
*The unerring instinct of popular sentiment around us attests the superiority
of our plain and practical method of education.
Wherever we have schools that are open
to other than our own members, the spare accommodations are usually filled by them to
overflowing; and this should awaken us to the great importance of seeing that our
own educational advantages are such as to leave no occasion for any of our own youth
to be sent elsewhere; and more than that, as a means of doing good, as well as of
strength and pleasurable satisfaction to ourselves, which involves no sacrifice, we
may well go further, and provide for others to the extent of which they may be willing
to avail themselves in our educational institutions.
Jj-But it is not only with reference to its educational advantages, as such,
that Swarthmore College should receive the hearty encouragement and support of all
Friends.
As a means of creating a common bond of union among Friends of different
sections, which will be rendered doubly effective in the next generation from the intimacies that will be there formed, and as a means of preserving and handing down the
distinctive principles and testimonies which we hold, it will be invaluable to our Society. Whatever may befall many of our meetings, or even our religious organization,
this is destined to remain, and must continue to shed abroad the beneficent influences
of (Quakerism, for ages to come.^S
Q^rj^jui^
^
J % L £
The meeting of the Board of Managers on 9th. Month 1, 1868, was the
O./a
first one held "at the College Building."
It was attended by only fifteen of its
members, and its business transactions were few.
One of these was a report by the
auditors on the accounts of Clement M . Biddle, Receiver for the Philadelphia District.
This was "read and accepted and ordered to be entered on our Minutes."
It showed that
he had received for the college, and had paid to the two treasurers, the stun of
2
p.
'7
$103,147.64, within the space of
years down to 5th. Month 1 , 1868.
The Treasurer also "made a statement of his receipts & expenditures since
last report showing a balance in his hands of $1,444.65."
^
The third and last item in the minutes of this meeting r e a d s j ^ T h e members of
the Board & the few friends accompanying them spent some time in examining the grounds
& building.
The West Wing jln one of the rooms of which, the Board's meeting was
, doubtless heldj is mostly plastered, partly with two coats, & the carpenters are
actively engaged in erecting the partitions & otherwise preparing the way for the
plastering of the East Wing & Center Building.
: 1
pastering, the dining room nearly so.
/V
;
The kitchen building is ready for
Concluded
Edward Parrish
Clerk>
The next meeting of the Board was held at Race Street Meeting-House,"in the
Monthly Meeting Room", at 10 o'clock A.M.,
on 12th. Month 1,1868, just preceding the
meeting of the Corporation held at the same place o n the same day.
There were present
twenty-seven members, "several friends having been prevented by causes beyond their
control."
A letter of resignation was received from the venerable Benjamin Hallowell,
which "on consideratioh" it was regretfully decided to accept.
. 4 -
Next, "in view of the
'V.XXVj
JXV;
A notace of this meeting in the Intelligencer for 8th.Month 29,1868(Voli#& > f>.408)
signed by "Edward Parrish, Clerk",state* that "the train leaves the city at 2.30."
Cf. infra, f
Intelligencer. Voh\3§/-|. 606,616.
relatively small number of stockh41ders in Baltimore Yearly Meeting it was determined
to select an additional member from New York to fill the vacancy", and Daniel Underhill,
of Jericho, Long Island, was appointed for Benjamin Hallowell's unexpired term.
B.
Rush Roberts, of Baltimore Yearly Meeting, then proposed that the Baltimore representation should be still farther "reduced to four, and that a female member from Philadelphia should take the place of one from Baltimore at the next annual election."
This
was agreed to; and at the ensuing stockhdlders' meeting, Elizabeth Worth of Philadelphia
was elected for fo\ir years to take the place of Rebecca S . Turner of Baltimore, whose
term of four years (six altogether) had just expired.
Thus the original founders were
one by one dropping out, even before the college was able to open its doors.
The Treasurer's report, read and accepted, was as follows:
12 mo 2 , 6 7 .
1868
To Balance in hand at this date
$9,950.95
5r
~~ Cash for Stock - Baltimore
"
"
"
"
"
"
"
»
II
"
"
$600
N . York
9,150
Philad®
21,654
" Donation
" Interest from S . Willets
31,404.
1,026.
154.73
$42,535.68
Bjr
"
Cash for Construction a/c
"
"
fh
f
"
Organization a/c
"
Property Com.
Cash in bank
$35,000.
2,065.30
700.00
$42.535.68
$64.65
4
"
hands of S . Willets 4.705.73
4,770.38-
Phila 12/1.68
Signed Henry M . Laing, T r e a s A
The audi tor
^pcfcortod the above report and balance on hand^tta. m m wet?- and
irsvpcfeorto
Joseph Powell, for the Property Committee, reported the following receipts and
Jxpenditures:
tfeSa. ^
j ^ec
(
\
d
494 bushels Oats sold
2
$347.31
291
"
Wheat sold
677.43
657
"
Corn sold
705.92
2,500
"
Corn fodder
150.00
Labor of hauling
30.40
j * P d . for labor
$1,911.06
$1,254.81
Tax - School 18 » 30 Road 13.07 County 61.50
92.87
Blacksmith, Wheelwright, &c. &c
286.04
Manure from Railway stables
366.00
Hauling manure & loading on cars
-
Freight on W.C. R . R .
275.00
102.00
$2,376.72>
*The R e p a t of the President,* the minutes of this meeting continue, "'•Was now
read, approved and directed to be suitably modified & laid before the Stockholders'
Meeting as the Report of this Board.
"toPhe Board being exceedingly anxious that the School should be opened next
o
autumn, every member in attendance agreed to pay ten djjilars upon each share previously
subscribed by him or her, payable before the first of 7
Month next, and the same was
also guaranteed for all those absent except one, on condition that this proposition
shall be adopted by the Stockholders' Meeting and generally entered into by the stockholders. A further payment of Ten Dollars upon each share of stock would assure the
completion of the College building so as to open it next autumn.
The Meeting then closed.
Edward Parrish, C l e r k ^
It was with these accomplishments, needs and determination that the Managers
attended the fifth annual meeting of the stockholders which immediately followed theirs
at three o'clock in the afternoon of 12th. Month 1 , 1868.
^ -
Intelligencer, Vol. - S g ^ p . 601, 616.
This meeting first filled
the vacancies in the Board "by electing William H . Macy of Hew York^- in place of
2-2-Q
Samuel J . Underbill, recently deceased,
of Rebecca S. Turner of Baltimore.
and Elizabeth Worth of Philadelphia^ in place
The other six members whose term had expired were
reelected, as were also Edward Parrish and Edith W . Atlee as Clerks.
After considering the report of the Board and its proposition for increasing the funds, the meeting approved the former and "united with" the latter, and "nearly all those present subscribed accordingly^" - that is, "a new contribution of ten
dollars on each share of the stock."
The minutes contain an Appendix (page 16), which
gives a list of eighty shareholders, the number of their shares, and the additional
amount subscribed by them.
These
shares numbered in all 1703, from onef(20 individ-
uals) to 80 (Elwood Burdsall), 144 (Alan Wood), 200 (Biddle Hardware Co.), and 680
(Samuel Willets); and the new contributions amounted to $17,050.
This must have been an encouraging start towards raising the remainder of
the pre-opening fund; and the meeting took the further step of instructing the clerks
"to address a circular to each stockholder, informing of this action, and soliciting
a like subscription from all others holding stock."
7-0 -
Barring the following months, the-
He died at his residence, Jericho, Long Island, after "a sudden and rapid illness"
(six weeks after attending the Board's meeting at Swarthmore), on 10th. Month 7 ,
1368, in the 72nd. year of his age. The Corporations miiiute
Memoriam-(P.15)
calls him one of the wisest and best friends of the College, and records; "He
was among the earliest, most active and deeply interested of our contributors and
managers, and the last act of his life was to sigh a codicil to his will, bequeathing $5,000 to constitute the nucleus of an endowment fund of the College not to be used "until the building is completed." This fund has been devoted
through subsequent years to "the Samuel J . Underhill Scholarship", awarded annually
to a member of the Sophomore Class.
343 -
1
P r e s i d e n t Parrish. w r o t e the f o l l o w i n g "Bote" on these m e e t i n g s u n d e r date
12/1.68: /^At the m e e t i n g of the B . of M a n a g e r s of Swarthmore College w e had some
discourse about m y p o s i t i o n , p r e s e n t salary & c .
r
I told the B o a r d that I w a n t e d
entire candor as to m y course & m y p o s i t i o n a s P r e s i d e n t .
I had b e c o m e so identified
with Swarthmore that I looked u p o n it a s a p e r m a n e n t employment for m e .
There was a
general concurrence in t h i s , thoiigh rather b y silence than b y s p e e c h . - Some of ray
best ideas h a v e come to m e w h i l e I h a v e b e e n speaking p u b l i c l y .
h o w we could assure the opening of
Swarthmore,
A s w e w e r e considering
j rose to a d d r e s s the B o a r d h a v i n g only
the one idea that all general a s s e r t i o n s that w e cannot succeed w i t h o u t m o r e m o n e y ,
& c . fail to address themselves to individuals so a s to b r i n g forth fruits - each one
thinks of all the rest & does not take the a s s e r t i o n & appeal to h i m s e l f .
While
speaking the very w o r d s seemed to come to m e w h i c h took immediately h o l d not only of
all the m e m b e r s of the B o a r d but of those p r e s e n t at the Stockholders m e e t i n g , that w e
should ask from every stockholder a definite sum a c c o r d i n g to the a m o u n t already
subscribed.
T e n dollars a share was settled u p o n as a b o u t enough to finish the
b u i l d i n g & every m a n a g e r & most others present took that amount y i e l d i n g about $ 1 6 , 0 0 0
at o n c e , & it looks as if it m i g h t b e g e n e r a l .
A t a m e e t i n g of the P h i l a d f stockholders several thousand
were subscribed b e s i d e s what had b e e n entered at the A n n u a l M e e t i n g & a large committee
of w o m e n entrusted w i t h the collection of the m e a n s of furnishing the h o u s e .
Another New Year's.
It is raining h a r d .
I h a v e spent the
a f t e r n o o n & p a r t of the evening over the circulars b e i n g addressed to the stockholders
of Swarthmore a s k i n g $10 a share - I h a v e c o m p a r e d t h e different lists to try to g e t
than right p r e v i o u s to malting a complete l i s t , thus f a r , of all the stockholders
including N . Y . & B a l t . ^
/S-VAy-y/v**-*
/W^TW^Aft
^-fifi'^ S II if
Ihtelligencer
published "extracts from the correspondence of Edward Parrish,
President of Swarthmore College, in response to the recent appeal of the Board of
Managers for an additional payment of ten dollars on each share of the stock.
These
responses came from Wilmington, Del., Bucks and Delaware Counties, Pa., and Burlington
and Gloucester Counties, H.J."^ Among these extracts were the following:7iNhile I feel
^ deeply interested in the success of its completion, I do not feel in circumstances
iat present to add anything more to the trifle already subscribed; I am a widow in quite
5
limited circumstances.* ' - - - - JtYou may depend upon the contribution on the amount of
shares I hold as early as I can make it convenient^ - - - -^To mourn over the loss
of the youth of our Society, and at the same time place them where they will be likely
to lose their attachment to it, is like neglecting our friends in life, but nourning
their loss when gone . . . .
•'"Then let us $ray for the completion of Swarthmore
before those who are so anxiously waiting for its doors to be opened are compelled to
go elsewhere.
Cornell University is holding out great inducements; and it is truly a
noble institution!, but shall Friends send their sons there to have a gun put in their
hand and be taught military tactics?
so, let them not afterwards complain if they
deem it a du"ty to place it on their shoulder and go to the battle-field. - ^IrTregard to the expense of the building, to which some object, do Friends
consider that it is not like a family dwelling designed to last for one or two generations only, but a durable legacy to Society for all generations?
Under such a con-
sideration, it should be massive, of the best material, and sufficiently large for the
noble purpose ihtended.
Then we shall not soon be called upon for repairs orradditions..
''But to the point.
I find you solicit a contribution to your library.
I
have a few books in reserve, if acceptable; an entire set of 'Wilkes' Exploring Expedition,' first edition, and two volumes of 'lardner's Popular Lectures on Science and
. Art.'
They are ready to be forwarded at thy direction.
on my one share; it is possible I may in Seventh month."^
M . - Vol.
|>p. 762 -43; Vol. -86u Pp. 30 - 31.
Tsn?* ;
4
^
J3SLz,
I would gladly forward the $10
One correspondent, declining to contribute more, stated the following
reason:
think Society has
long suffered for want of greater facilities for obtain-
ing a good common education; and an Institution where the great bulk of our members
could be accommodated, either immediately or through teachers instructed therein, and
thus the benefit of such an education be generally diffused,
has been greatly needed;
and it was with a view to such an institution that I made a snail subscription in the
eaxly part of the concern, and for such a one sufficient fuhds have long since been
obtained.
concern as now in prospect seems a different affair, and if I am rightly
informed, will be one of which the benefits can ojjly be enjoyed by a few of the wealthier members, which must increase rather than lessen the disparity in the literary
attainments of Society.
With these views, and without wishing to discourage those who
are favored clearly to view the subject in a different light, I mist be excused from
any further actioh at present."^
To this criticism, D r . Parrish replied as follows:y^Thy letter has been duly
received, and notwithstanding the great number of communications to which I have to
respond, I think it due to thee and to the Managers of Swarthmore that I should call thy
attention to the fact that no change ih the character of the proposed school has taken
place since we started, except perhaps that it has had a rather larger scope given to
it in deference to the views of such as thyself.
It was never designed to come in
competition with neighborhood schools, but rather to promote and elevate these, by its
influence upon the whole Society, through the well qualified teachers which it will aim
to send into every neighborhood.
T^The money subscribed has been well and economically spent upon the plot of
ground and a plain and substantial building, not too large for the obvious requirements
of the Society.
Those who think enough money has been expended already to have finished
and opened such a school as we need must have a very limited idea of the educational
i fin..
demands of the Society; we continually find evidence that we have done wisely in
laying out from the start for a large number to be well accommodated, and have every
reason to believe that the large majority of the stockholders are well satisfied with
the work thus far.
Thy friend,
E . PARRISH.*
[' meeting also decided to try a{
The stockholders'
again the method of "conferences" for increasing the fund, and reappointed the committee of the previous year for
that purpose.
It also arranged a conference to be held in Philadelphia on 12th.
Month 18, 1$6$, "to consider the subject of opening the School next fall".; this action
was taken, the Intelligencer'e
notice of the meeting said,
because many of the
stockholders in Philadelphia and its vicinity were not present at the annual meeting.
To take general charge of the conferences and subscriptions, the following
committees were appointed:
2,
"Committee of Stockholders, to Solicit Suhcriptions in Philadelphia^""
Edward Hoopes.
William C. Biddle,
Dillwyn Parrish,
William Dorsey,
Alan Wood,
Joshua Lippincott,
Thomas H . Speakman,
Franklin S. Wilson,
Joseph Wharton,
Isaac H . Clothiey,
Reeve L . Knight,
Henry M . Laing,
^General Committee to appoint and attend Conferences, and assist in raising
Local Committees and Associations to promote Subscriptions^
Philadelphia and Vicinity.
Thomas H . Speakman, v
^ Clerk.
Dillwyn Parrish,
Lucretia Mott,
George Truman,
Martha Dodgson,
Edward Hoopes,
Helen G. Longstreth
,, „
1 , - k j J l ^ k , fl. 649. 2. i V '
^ M - i L S
J
Deborah F . Whartoft,
Hugh M c l l m i n ,
Edward Parrish,
Joseph Powell, Darby, P a .
dd
Clement Biddle, C h a ^ s f o r d , P a .
Lydia Hall, West Chester, P a .
T . Clarkson Taylor, Wilmington, Del.
Henry T . Darlington, Doylestown, P a .
Mahlon K . Taylor, Taylorsville, P a .
Lewis A . Lukens, Conshohocken,
David Ferris, Eancocas, N.J.
Isaac Stephens, Trenton, N.J.
William Parry, Cinnaminson, N.J.
Edwin C^aft, Clarksboro^ N.J.
Benjamin Bassett, Salem, N.J«
Samuel Martin, Kennett Square, P a .
Job H . Jackson, West Grove, P a .
Lewis Walker, Norristown, P a .
Levi Pownall, Christiana, P a .
Thomas Garrigues, Kingsessing, Philadelphia.
Priscilla T . Speakman, Dillworth»s Town, P a .
Meet at Race Street Meeting House third 6th day in every month, at
11 o'clock, A.M.
New York and Vicinity.
Samuel Willets,
Isaac H . Cock,
Daniel Underhill,
Caroline Underbill,
Elwood Burdsall,
Charles T . Bunting,
Robert Willets,
Eliza H . Bell,
John D . Hicks.
3
;
Baltimore and Vicinity.
Benjamin Hallowell,
B . Rush Roberts,
Gerard H . Reese,
Elizabeth B . Smith,
Rebecca. Turner,
Ellen Riley."^
i
I
The President's report to the Board, which became the Board's report to the
Corporation, on 12th. Month 1, 1868, is not recorded in the Board's minutes; but it is
printed in the Minutes of the Stockholders' meeting,
and is as follows:^To the
Stockholders of Swarthmore College;
S^The Board of Managers in presenting their Annual Report, can not but feel
that the work of erecting and establishing Swarthmore College is still a formidable one.
^THE FINANCIAL ASPECTS of our enterprise indicate the necessity of a renewed
effort to obtain the means needed to carry it forward.
T h & funds subscribed, the past
year, amoulit to about $38,000, of which sum nearly $29,000 was subscribed within the
limits of the Philadelphia Yearly Meeting, and $9,000 in New York and its vicinity; the
letter stan has been collected, and increased in the hands of our receiver in New York,
by accumulation of interest.
Nearly $25,000, mostly in Pennsylvania and New Jersey,
inclusive of $2,345 subscribed previous to the year 1867, remains uncollected; it may
be considered available, deducting a small, per centage for installments not collectable.
Since the last Annual Report, conferences have been held in various localities, especially within the limits of Western and Bucks Quarterly Meetings, Pa., but with less pecuniary results than might have been anticipated in view of the success of the first
general effort of this kind.
Many iiew subscriptions have been obtained on these occa-
sions, but they generally have not exceeded a single share from each individual.
*jlls usual we have been liberally remembered by a few friands of large means,
whose continued interest in the great work in which we are engaged has been cause of
encouragement.
^ - Pp. 7 - 1 4 .
'
/
^ y the Report of the Treasurer, we learn that the whole sum collected, the
past year, has been $32,584.73, and that the cash in his hands and in those of the
Receiver in New York, now amounts to $4,770.38.
-^THE BUILDING. -
The progress of the College building has been gradual, but
will be very apparent as compared with its condition at the time of the last Annual
Meeting,
Nearly all the inside walls and partitions are covered with the first two
coats of plaster, and the upper stories in the west wing and part of the dining room,
with the white coat.
ing.
The floors are laid in the wings and in part of the centre build-
The elevators are erected and in working order, and the gas pipes and waste pipes
for water are located throughout the house.
In this connection we should notice the
liberal gift from the firm of Morris, Tasker & Co., of gas pipes, to the amount of
$831.87.
The work and all the materials have been paid for, gxcept about $5,000, and
in summing up the whole cost of construction thus far, exclusive of this, we have an
aggregate of $148,756.
C a r e f u l estimates have been made of all the items necessary to finish the
building inside, including water tanks, baths and plumbing, the arches, iron stairs and
doors in the fire proof alcoves, and the paintihg of the whole house; these will cost
about $43,000.
This estimate does not include the porches over the front doors on
the centre building and on the return wings.
< W h e recently revised estimate of the cost of steam boiler and heating arrangements, laundry, gas works, and kitchen-range and appurtenances, is $27,000.
Thus,
to complete the building sufficiently for use, it will require a sum of $70,000, inclusive of the fuhds now on hand and collectable.^
^THE FURNITURE. - The plan was proposed in the last Annual Report, - suggested
simultaneously
by several women interested in the College, - that the business of fur-
nishing the household should be undertaken by a large volunteer committee of their own
sex, acting under direction of the Household Committee of the Board of Managers, and a
tag;
small s-um has since been donated for that purpose and placed in the hands of the
President of the College.
Should this suggestion he approved at the present meeting
i of the stockholders, the names of such as are willing to take part in it
should be
\ minuted, and a time fixed for their first meeting.
j
J^lt is recommended that this Furnishing Committee should confine their col-
/ lection of funds to their own sex, and that each contributor disposed to link her name
j permanently with the College, should have the privilege of paying for the furnishing
; of one or more dormitories, parlors or dining tables.
Estimates have been prepared
of the expenses of furnishing the several parts of the house according to the prescribed models, which will be placed at the disposal of such committee, if appointed.
It is the judgment of the Board that true economy will be promoted by the funds collected being placed in the hands of the household committee, rather than being expended by individual contributors.
^fcOOKS, SPECIMENS AND APPARATUS. - Before opening the College, it will be
necessary to procure a stock of school-books and stationery, which ma.y or may not be
charged to the pupils as hereafter determined; also books of reference, maps, globes,
means of illustrating natural history, and philosophical and chemical apparatus.
In
these last items there is great room for large expenditures, and while we may properly
guard at the outset against the purchase of useless, costly apparatus, we cannot meet
the just expectations of the community without providing such as are necessary in
advance of the opening of our school.
A suitable provision should also be made for
the gradual accumulation of facilities for instruction as the necessity for them arises.
A safe place of storage has been provided in the College building for any contributions
of books, specimens and apparatus donated to it, and the President, if notified of any
intended contributions of the kind, will attend to their being forwarded and properly
{
The Minutes (p. 5) record that the following women volunteered at the meeting to
act as members of the Furnishing Committee, and were given power to add to their
number; Mary Jeanes, Susatv-Darlington, Susan M . Parrish, Mary H . Morgan, Sarah A .
Taylor, Mary H . Child, Anne Cooper, Martha Dodgson, Hetty W . Thurston, Margaret
S. Parrish, Sarah K . Gillingham, Sarah J . Ash, Anna T . Hallowell, Rebecca Webb.
i3s4
cared for.
j
n
It is proposed that a nucleus be at once formed for a library of standard
historical, biographical, scientific and miscellaneous books, and friends possessing
works of real value which have ceased to be useful to them, may aid us in forming
that requisite of every College- —
a good library.
PROPERTY COMMITTEE report their expenditures for labor, manure, repairs,
taxes, &c., amounting to $2,376.72, and their income from the sale of the products of
the farm at $1911.06, a sum of $465.66 having thus been put upon the land with reference
to getting the lawn into grass as soon as the necessities of the school require it.
O R G A N I Z A T I O N . - No further steps have been taken toward the appointment of
those to be concerned in the (juties of instruction, although the whole course of study
and its proper division among a suitable number of professors and tutors has been the
subject of careful revision since the last Annual Report.
With a view to accommodating
children of various ages and degrees of advancement, as impartially as possible, it is
now proposed to add to the three classes in the Preparatory School, suggested last year,
a Collegiate class who will be candidates for graduation in four years from entering.
This will involve the appointment of professors previous to the opening of the school,
who will participate in and direct the instructions of the Preparatory classes.
The
President of the College has been allotted the departments of Ethics and of Chemistry
and general science.
E d w . H . Magill, the Principal of the Preparatory School, will fill
the Professorship of Ancient and Modern Languages in the College, and two additional
Professors should be appointed to conduct the instruction in Mathematics and in English literature and history.
^ H E MODE OF ADMISSION TO THE SCHOOL. - Many inquiries having been made as
to how this difficult point will be met at the opening, we have agreed to the following:When the Board shall determine the date of opening the school, let an early
day be fixed at which applications for admission of pupils may be made, due and ample
3 if**-"
notice being given by means of the public papers circulating in the neighborhoods in
which the stockholders reside, and also by printed circulars distributed among the
stockholders.
A suitable book being opened, every applicant's name will be entered
with the date, parentage and age, until the full number of each sex, capable of being
accommodated is reached.
The list will now be closed, and immediately on the opening
of the school, the candidates will be examined for classification, a certain number of
those most advanced being allotted to the College Class, and a suitable number to each
of the three classes in the Preparatory school, according to proficiency in the several
branches.
We shall thus avoid the difficulties growing out of absolute standards for
the several classes which, however practicable after the school has been well established, will be ill adapted to the conditions uider which we are compelled to open it.
As we have already determined that the children and wards of stockholders should take
precedence, these should constitute a separate list, all others waiting until a given
date, when, if any vacancies remain, they may be entered, taking precedence according
to the date of their application.
It is recommended that none under twelve years of
age be received, except at the discretion of the President and Principal of the Preparatory School.
^TIME OF OPENING THE SCHOOL. - No time can be fixed for opening Swarthmore
until its financial problem is solved.
took shape.
Eight years have elapsed since this movement
The children then of suitable age to enter such a school have already left
their schooldays behind them, in the active pursuits of business and professional life.
We, the Managers of the prospective institution, who are responsible for the success or
failure of the trust imposed in us, have also grown older; some valued colleagues have
passed away.
Though we have all acquired much experience, most of us have lost somewhat
of that energy which the years, as they pass, inevitably rob us of.
And now, as we
look at the imposing structure we have been instrumental in erecting throughout the last
three years, we must all desire to see it soon finished and devoted to its beneficient
objects.
"^bur youth plead that Swarthmore may soon open its portals to candidates
for that literal culture which is not elsewhere obtainable within the Religious Society
to which they belong.
Parents desire that these may not be longer debarred from the
Jenefits of that public spirit which has devised and carried forward the great undertaking now so near its possible consummation.
Those who have so freely invested their
leans in the erection of this noble edifice, naturally desire to see it repaying that
isury which blesses alike the giver and receiver.
The scheme of instruction is already
fell digested; two of the teachers and the Matron are appointed and only await the oppor5
tunity to devote themselves to their duties;" '.
.
On the adjournment of the Stockholders'' M e e t i n g j W l.^'cit^ Month 1 , 1368,
;he Managers held a meeting for the organization of the Board, and reappointed the clerks,
treasurer, auditors, and committees on finance, property, building, instruction, and
lousehold.
The only changes made in these was the appointment of one of the new members,
Clizabeth Worth, to the Household Committee.
No further business was transacted, but the
{anagers probably conferred informally, on this as on other occasions, about the following unpleasant circumstance.
This was the problem which confronted the Board in the years 1867 - 69, of
fhich a few bare hints are given in the minutes of the Board.
—
irt*^
rith Thomas Seabrook§\which it was
;hon taken to court.. / U i & ^ c U f c * * . /hj
AvJAJ^
n,tl t. f "T
f f1
It was a misunderstanding
fas^iM**^^
A^&L
T^L^.
arbitration,ISut wao
/Wfc^cfc- ( S ^ r C t .
From a deposition made by Edward Parrish on March 30, 1869, we learn that the
aisunderstanding arose in the spring of .1867.
The deposition gives the following
jersonal details:fj*Edward Parrish, affirmed, says:
am a Druggist and Chemist.
t—
I carry on the business at 800 Arch Street.
Amy
A pamjbhlet printed for the court: "District Court June Term, 1868. No. 1401. Thomas
Seabrooke vs. Swarthmore College. Depositions on the part of Plaintiff, taken before
Richard M . Batturs, Notary Public, at his office, 207 South Fifth Street. Chapman
Biddle Esq. Attorney for Plaintiff, A . Lewis Smith Esq. Attorney for Defendant^' ,
32 Pages, Siddal Brother?, Printers, No. 213 South Fifth S t r e e t s
Ws
aged 46 years,
3r
SflfLs
I am connected with the Corporation of the Swarthmore College.
of the stockholders of that Institution, and am one of its officers.
Am one
Am clerk of the
Corporation, ard have an additional office of President of the College.
I was connected
with the Corporation as an officer in June, 1867, and have "been since that time so connected as an officer.
1864.
I had been an officer from the acceptance of its charter in
Have been, and still am, one of the members of the Building Committee of said
College.
The Building Committee was for the erection of the College building.
were four of the corporation, besides myself, on the Building Committee.
chairman, Edward. Hoopes, Ellwood Burdsall and Gerard H . Reese.
There
Hugh Mcllvaine,
Hugh Mcllvaine is in
the lumber business on Market and 34th Streets, West Philadelphia.
I should think he
is 50 years of age.
Edward Hoopes is a Manufacturer of Screws and Bolts, Buttonwood
Street belov/ Broad.
He is about 48 years old.
Elwood Burdsall is a Manufacturer of
Iron Screws in the neighborhood of New York City, in the adjoining County of West
Chester.
Port Chester is the Post Office address.
He is about 45 years old.
H . Reese is a Grocer, in the City of Baltimore, about 45 years of age.
Gerard
The non-residents
of the Building Committee were not in the habit of attending all the meetings of the
Committee,
perhaps they attended the meetings once in 3 or 4 months.
The resident
members of the Committee were generally in the habit of entering into contracts for
building the College.
The resident members of the Committee, engaged with Thomas Sea-
brooke, the Plaintiff,tn purchase stone for the College Building. , - - ^There was a disagreement between Thomas Seabrooke and Swarthmore College in
regard to the settlement of an unpaid balance.
to give a receipt in full, as I understand it.
pay him, or tender him a receipt.
The disagreement arose out of a refusal
I was not chairman and did not therefore
The College owed him money in the spring of 1867,
which they have not paid him, on account of his declining to receipt in full of his
claim.
The Committee did not offer at that time to pay Seabrooke the whole of his claim.
The Committee have not at any time since, that I am aware of, offered to pay him the whole
3
amount he claims.
Mr. Se&hrooke claimed at that time about $5600.-
w
I do not know
what passed between him, and the chairman of the Committee, but the Committee proposed,
at that time, to pay him about $3400.- in full of this claim.
I do not know exactly how
the proposition for arbitration originated., but I know that it became a subject of correspondence between Hugh Mcllvaine, the chairman of the Committee, and Chapman Biddle,
representing Thomas Seabrooke.^
Hugh Mcllvaine's letter was made "Exhibit A" in the suit and reads as
follows:
^Phila, 12,11,1867.
Est'ed F'd
Thine of yesterday has been received, Edward was correct in his supposition,
this is the first I had from thee.
We are p|r|ejfectly satisfied to leave our difficulty
to an arbitration properly chosen, of those donversant with that kind of business, but
if so left we wish the whole case put in their hands.
We will have a claim against
Thomas Seabrooke for damages in detaining our building a whole season during which wages
rose on us 50 to 75 cents per day caused by his not delivering the stone in 1866, and
also for extra work upon dimension stone which were but the rough stone out of the quarry
without any pretence to dimension.
Very lesp
To
Hugh Mcllvain
Chapman Biddle
131 South 5th St.
Chn of Building Comt
for Swarthmore College.^
•""Question; - Do you know whether Hugh Mcllvaine consummated that offer to submit to arbitration, or whether it was afterwards done by some other member of the Coijimittee, and
if so, by which member of the Committee?
Answer: -
It was done by Hugh Mcllvaine's consent; I do not know exactly how that was
carried out; I don't no?/ remember.
3-
3
jJPBeing agreed upon, I was requested to speak to some one, as to the employment
an arbitrator.
If any consummation of the offer to arbitrate was made, it must have
en verbal, and to the best of my recollection, in conversation between Chapman Biddle
d myself; although what occurred in that connection, I do not how distinctly remember.
Q u e s t i o n : - Do you recollect whether M r . Biddle refused to treat further with
gh Mcllvaine in reference to the proposed arbitration, in the month of March, 1868, or
t, and whether Mr. Biddle did, on behalf of Thomas Seabrooke, as a final offer, propose
at Edward Farrish or Edward Hoopes, should, on the part of the Building Committee,
Lect one of the arbitrators, he another, and the two arbitrators select a third competent
rson, and that the whole matter in dispute should be referred to the three persons so
Lected.
It being understood that the original proposition of reference, except as modi-
sd or disagreed to, should remain in force, and that neither party should select any
v g ^
Dloyv or any one with whom any business relations then existed, or should have existed^,
bhin the last five years prior thereto; and that that offer on the part of M r . Seabrooke,
not accepted by 12 noon of the 4th day of April, 1868, in writing, was to be considered
withdrawn?
A n s w e r : - I recollected a disagreement between them, and I now recollect that
. Biddle did decline as stated, to treat further with Hugh Mcllvaine.
In a general way,
Jelieve Mr. Biddle did submit the proposition to arbitrate, to Edward Hoopes and myself
the part of the Building Committee.
The proposition as modified, was agreed to, and
it the offer should be accepted prior to the given date, and I believe the date mentioned
correct.
I think it likely that offer was accepted ih writing, but I have no data by
to fixi the
fact in my memory. I prestune I accepted it. jpaper marked 'Exhibit B.« shown
-v n
This is in my handwriting. It purports to be a note to Chapman Biddle, dated
Sness.1
• This note was as follows;
"Chapman Biddle,
Our 'building Committee have no hesitation in accepting the last proposition
of Thomas Seabrook as per thy note of 30" ult, which was duly received.
We regret the implied want of confidence in our Chairman, which we think
not justified by any thing which has occurred.
Respectfully
> Arch St.
'
Edward Parrish
4 m o . 3 . 1868
on behalf of the
Building Committee^
Swarthmore College."
ITS—^
4th m o . 3rd,1868, from me, in "behalf of the Building Committee, for the purpose of
accepting the offer of M r . Biddle, for Thomas Seabrooke, to arbitrate.
I recollect
shortly afterwards, about April 11th, 1868, that M r . Biddle, on behalf of Seabrooke,
Si
named Stephen D . McCall^, as his arbitrator.
the Committee a short time afterwards.
Charles Conard, as their arbitrator.
This was communicated to the chairmen of
Shortly afterwards, the Committee selected
That selection was communicated to M r . Seabrooke,
or his Counsel: I don't know whether I did it, but I suopose I did.
(Exhibit marked
'C' shown witness.!
This paper is in my handwriting, and communicates, on behalf of the
Committee, the name of Charles Conard, as arbitrator.
^Question: - Do you know to what Religious Denomination Charles Conard
belongs?
^Answer: - I am pretty sure that he does not belong to a n y .
*Q^iestionj - Do you know at what Church he attends?
^Answer: -
I do not think he attends a n y .
The two arbitrators, so
selected, chose Charles Barker, as the third arbitrator.
—
—
- - —
1
"Question: -—las—there a writing of submission -
all. matters at variance between Thomas Seabrooke and Swapfiirnore College, arising out of
S e a b r o ^ e ' s agreement^to furnish st^ne for the College, were referred to the th^ee ar-
»
bitrators x h o m you have named?
Agreement was prilated^Cpr the court on a 4-page leaflextentitied "Paper
Book"; it was as\follows:
£—
"It is agreed between Thomas Seabrdlsk and Swarthmore College, as follows,to wit:
W f c A^rAA.
jLrtjLr^as '•
"Chapman Biddle
(J
The building Committee of Swarthmore College name as arbitrator,
CHARLES CONARD
821 Marshall Street.
Re spy
Edward Parrish
on behalf of building Com.
Philadelphia 4mo 1 3 . 1868."
1.
That all matters at variance between them/arising out of any agreement
to furnish stone by the said Thomas Seabrook for theydollege building of Swarthmore
College,\hall be referred to three a r b i t r a t o r s , Stepheii D. McCalla, Charles
Conard and Charles Barker; said arbitrators shall be duly swornXpr affirmed by eac
other or by couhsel.
2.
T h \ admission of evidence adduced before said arbitrators shall be regu/
V
lated by the ordinaryXJLegal rules of ^Vidence.
/
The parties may be represented by coun-
sel.
3.
The awarcK of said Arbitrators, or of any two of them, iii writing under
their hands, shall be fina]\and /binding upon the parties, and from whi^h no appeal shall
be taken; provided that the said award shall be delivered within fifteen daj^s after the
Philadelphia, May 7\ 1868.
hearing is closed.
Thos. Seabroo .
Attest,
( , Seal of )
( Swarthmore)
( College y
Edward Pari/ish, Clerk «
. .
.
"Question: - [Paper filed in the C&ee shown to witnessJ Is that the submission
t j the/arbitrators?
/
"Answer: -
It is.
Dated May 7th, 1868">vsigfned by Thomas Seabrooke and the
deal of Swarthmore College attested by myself as clerkj/^pln pursuance of that submission the arbitrators met on the day of its date.
Hugh Mcllvaine, Edward Hoopes,
and myself were present on the part of the Committee and A . Lewis Smith as Counsel for
the College; Thomas Seabrooke was also present with Chapman Biddle as his Counsel, and
the three arbitrators.
The ca.se of Seabrooke was then opened to those arbitrators, and
witnesses were examined on his behalf.
aotes, to May 26th, 1868.
That meeting was adjourned, it appears by the
The arbitrators were then present and the parties, or some
af thejn. At that meetimg, further evidence was offered on the part of Seabrooke."•s
Dr. Parrish then refers to numerous meetings of the arbitrators and witnesses
-»
13&
-J
p May and. June, 1868, and continues:
"Adjourned to July 2nd,at which time no meeting was held, on account of
the dHath of Mr. Seabrooke's mother.
What I am now saying is not matter j6f positive
knowledge or recollection of myself, and I should doubt if I am right/In asserting as
fact what Appears merely in the shape of notes, not signed or in grfy way authenticated,
but believed\to be correct in the m a i n .
"Question: - Who took the notes of the testimony' in the case whilst you were
present at the several meetings?
"Answerj\-
A . Lewis Smith, Counsel for/Swarthmore College, took the notes
in question.
"Question:-
^)id you see anybody elge taking notes of the testimony that was
/
offered, at any of those meetings?
"Answer: -
No ohe tobk regular notes but our Counsel, and he furnished them
for copy to the Counsel for Seal^ooke./and they were loaned to him almost invariably, at
the adjournment of the meetings.
"The next meeting appears\to have been held July 7th, 1868, at which witnesses
were examined.
That meeting Was adjourned to July 9th, at which witnesses were examined.
The next meeting was held J"uly 13th, one arbitrator, M r . Conard.only being present, but it
was agreed to take testjtfnony, as appears by n^tes of Counsel, and witnesses were accordingly examined.
That meeting was adjourned to^a day in September to be fixed by the
arbitrators, and yt was held September 14th, 1368, wlaen a witness was examined.
That
meeting was adi6urned to September 21st, no meeting being held, but was adjourned to
October 5 t h / w h e n a meeting was held, and, Seabrooke's ca.s& having been concluded prior
to that day, Mr. Smith opened the case for Swarthnore C o l l e g e \ b y the notes, Hugh Mcllvaine,
Edwnrd/Parrish and Edward Hoopes were then present.
A witness was, examined at that meet-
ing./ That meeting adjourned to October 12th, at which witnesses w e r k examined. Now I
r ^ e m b e r I was present at that meeting.
nesses were examined.
The next meeting was November 9\h, at which wit-
This was adjourned to November 23y!jd, which was adjourned, on
fin. I.
scAj^^Jba*,*.
'• \
I
^
account o-£ the absence b't: one or tile arblU/alurn, to Dec-ember 71sh, wliwn & meeting watk
V M , . nnti
c
FL-'WLTN—P
T"»P "T"lir*Tl "\u
HaJ-ti ami
jmi-rnnd fn TWoraVirns.
fl
meeting w n r ,
-Thio meeting wac adjourned,fry tho no too, to December
- S - I B ^ * ! find the record of a meeting December 38th, at which a witness was examined.
Adjourned to January 4th, 1889, and a meeting was then held and the same witness
examined.
That meeting appears to have adjourned to January 11th, 186^.
I was present
at the commencement of the meeting of January 4th, but did not remain long.
•Question: - Do you believe that the meeting of January 4th, was adjourned to
January 11th, 188^, in the same manner as the other meetings had been adjourned?
^Answer:
-
I have no knowledge on the subject, not h a v i n g been p r e s e n t .
"^Question repeated: -
"^Answer;
-
I have never been informed as to the circumstahces of that ad-
Q u e s t i o n : - Do you mean, then, to say that you do not believe that there was,
or was not a difference between this adjournment, and the preceeding ones?
i
"^Answer:
- Not knowing what passed between those assembled, I infer that
there was a difference.
^t^uestion: -Why do you draw such an inference without any knowledge?
^Answer: -
I have no knowledge of what occurred, but I know that there was
dissatisfaction, on the part of those representing Swarthmore College, with the departure, or rather departures, from the terms of the agreement of submission.
Q u e s t i o n repeated: - Do you believe now that the meeting of January 4th, was
adjourned to January 11th, in the same manner as other meetings had been adjourned?
"^Answer; - I answer as before.
My difficulty is lack of information as to
; what occurred then and there.
i
i
^Question:"^Answer: -
Had you information in regard to all the previous adjournments?
I do not know that I always had.
I generally had.
Q u e s t i o n ; - W h y , then, do you hesitate to state your belief in regard to
ihe adjournment of the meeting of January 4th, 13692
•Answer; -
Because I never inquired in previous cases, when I was absent,
tor in this, as to the mode of determining the time and/>lace of the next meeting.
I
Lsually learned incidentally that the arbitrators would meet at such and such times. There
.s a difference between knowing when the arbitrators were expected to meet again, and the
:ircumstances which may have transpired at the close of the sittings.
Q u e s t i o n repeated: *Answer: -
I have nothing further to answer; if this is not clear, I cannot
lake it more so.
^Question:- Did you learn incidentally, or otherwise, of the adjournment of
;he meeting of January 4th, 1869, to January 11th, 1869, prior to the latter date?
Answer: -
I have no recollection.
Probably I was incidentally informed, or
may have been present at the conclusion of that meeting; I rather think I w a s .
*^uestion:- Do you believe that the meeting of January 4th, was adjourned to
'anuary
11th, 1869, differently from the previous meetings?
*AnBwer: -
I am in doubt, or rather, have no knowledge or belief on the
ubject.
^Question: -Were you present at the meeting of January 11th, 1869?
"^Answer: -
No.
I was not present at any meeting, January 11th.
That this question and the dates January 4 and 11 were significant appears
rom the following "Revocation": ;^To Stephen D . McCalla, Charles Conard and Charles Barke
•^Yoxi are hereby jointly and severally notified that the reference or submision to you of matters at variance between Thomas Seabrook and Swarthmore College, by
greement dated May 7, 1368, is countermanded, revoked and annulled, and your authority
n the premises is wholly at an end.
^Philadelphia, 1st m o . 8 , 1869.
Seal of )
Swarthmore)
College.)
Attest,
Edward Parrish, Clerk.
— a -
^
^
^•To Thomas Seabrook:
*You are hereby notified that the reference or submission created in and by
the agreement, bearing date Philadelphia, May 7th, 1868, of matters at variance between
you and Swarthmore College, to Stephen D . McCalla, Charles Conard and Charles Barker,
is countermanded, revoked and annulled, and the authority of the said arbitrators in the
premises is wholly at an end.
-^Philadelphia, 1st m o . 8th.,1869.
( Seal of
)
( Swarthmore)
( College
)
Attest,
' M
(/VVVUJ^A
/ /
^U^l^^ry,
•
^rvCfevw^ .
Edward Parrish, C l e r k ^
*Q,uestionj- Did you have exceptions to the Award of the arbitrators in this
case prepared and filed, and did you affirm to the same?
*Anawer: -
I did, on behalf of the defendants; if that is what the Swarthmore
College is called.
^Question:- Do you know the difference between Parties Plaintiff, and Parties
Defendant, to an action?
*Aoswer; -
I think I do.
"^Question:- Did the Committee of Swarthmore College agree to be bound by the
of
award of the before-mentioned arbitrators, or/any two of them, if made in writing under
their hands, and did the Committee agree that no appeal should be taken to any such
award; provided, that the award should be delivered within fifteen days after the hearing
was closed?
^Answer;-
The Committee did agree to the terms stated in the submission, in-
cluding those mentioned in the question, which are only in part,
Q u e s t i o n : -Has an award been made by the arbitrators, or of any two of them,
in writing under their hands; and if so, in whose favor did they award, and what amount
iid they so award?
Answer: -
A paper has been shown to me, purporting to be an award, but, as
•W6-
Ifr
advised by Counsel, I do not consider it, as in a true and just sense, a n award.
3
I have
not seen, that I now remember, any original paper signed by the arbitrators, but only a
copy of a paper purporting to have been so signed."**
It is evident from this account of the deposition that Dr. Parrish resented
the method of the opposing counsel in pressing the same question repeatedly upon him;
for at one point in the hearing, he said: "I decline to make any answer upon questions
being constantly repeated, which I would not answer the first time the question is put to
me.
I am not so young nor, I hope, so indiscreet as to be ma.de the means of involving
i
the interests intrusted to me, in common with others, by any ill advised or improper^
answers " ^
/
j
^
f
a
J
L
d s ^ r t A * ^
J^
1
'
The order for the entry of the case in the District Court was directed to the
June Term, 1368, and entered on the docket of that court as "No 1401 ( ^ B i d d l e ) , Thomas
Seabrook v.Swarthmore College, A m . Ac.Case entered Jan. 21st, 1869, as per agreement
filed dated May 7, 1368.
Jan 22, 1869, award of arbitrators filed, who award that there
is due from Swarthmore College to Thomas Seabrook the sum of $ 6 3 2 5 . T h e court accepted
ipprovedj arbitrators' award,^and
award,\ and on 2nd. Month 14, 1871,
1371, the Board "resolved that the
and approved/arbitrators'
Treasurer be authorized to borrow whatever money is necessary to pay off the judgnent of
Thomas Seabrook against the College and give the necessary security."
The treasurer
accordingly borrowed $4,000 for this purpose and the claim was finally squared off.
The first meeting of the Board in 1869 was held "at/the College building" on
1$/
4th. Month 6 , at 3.30 P.M.,
1
twenty-two members being present.
The President presented
the following report: */pBy the Treasurer's statement it appears that we have received
since the Annual Meeting $15, 415 and have expended, chiefly upon the building & materials,
on hand $18,387.43.
Jfc- At ejmeeting of the Board on 5th. Month 10, 1872, it was reported that the Building Com»*
mittee had expended from 5th. Month 25, 1366 to 6th. Month 4 , 1370, the sum of
$257,179.97^ i J U X
^hul. ^ J ^ .
.
The Intelligencer notice of this was inserted three times (Vol.86>J>p.41,57,73), and
^
stated that the "cars leave station,31st and Chestnut streets at 2>80 P.M."
i|
-•
»
ST*"»
If- The Intelligencer published a suimajy of this report (Vo3rsr34^Pj.04).
(
^
i?§
11
**"The proposal to solicit a further contribution of Ten dollars a share u p o n
all stock subscribed p r e v i o u s to the late A n n u a l M e e t i n g , h a s b e e n submitted to the
stockholders as far as their correct P o s t O f f i c e a d d r e s s e s w e r e k n o w n ; replies have b e e n
j received from a few declining to contribute f u r t h e r , m o r e h a v e acceded to the r e q u e s t ,
1 but m u c h the largest number have not b e e n h e a r d f r o m .
233
^ C o n f e r e n c e s h a v e b e e n h e l d w i t h considerable advantage in N e w Y o r k , Phil-
%
: adelphia, B a l t i m o r e & W i l m i n g t o n , D e l ,
a n d the local committee in P h i l a d e l p h i a has n o t
been idle though the u n f a v o r a b l e season of the y e a r , the frail h e a l t h of several members
of the committee and the n u m e r o u s engagements of others h a v e p r e v e n t e d so general a
canvass a s w o u l d h a v e b e e n d e s i r a b l e . '
2 A recent estimate of the a v a i l a b l e funds now subscribed sums u p $40,000;
besides this about $ 1 , 5 0 0 h a s b e e n p l a c e d in a 'suspended l i s t ' p a r t of w h i c h w i l l , no
doubt, be p a i d .
A single subscription of $ 5 , 0 0 0 is not included b e c a u s e not a v a i l a b l e
XZ6
until the a u t u m n .
&The
The u n s e t t l e d claims against the "Building Committee m a y reach $ 6 , 0 0 0 .
progress of the B u i l d i n g during the p a s t four m o n t h s has b e e n slow in
consequence of the u n f a v o r a b l e season of the y e a r , but the b u i l d i n g committee is now p r e pared to p r e s s forward the p l a s t e r i n g , carpenter w o r k , p l u m b i n g , h e a t i n g a p p a r a t u s a n d
laundry a n d if the funds a r e in h a n d can finish the b u i l d i n g for occupancy b y the first
of Ninth M o n t h n e x t .
The W o m e n ' s Committee for f u r n i s h i n g the College h a s b e e n industrious-
ly engaged in collecting m e a n s and in s e w i n g .
They have p r e p a r e d a report of their oper-
ations to b e p r e s e n t e d a t this m e e t i n g .
^"We may a n t i c i p a t e drafts from the general fund for p a r t of the expense of
furnishing the house as also for the grading a n d p l a n t i n g of the grounds w h i c h w i t h the
cost of finishing the b u i l d i n g m u s t exceed our p r e s e n t resources, so that we can not h o w
I. safely determine u p o n opening the school in the T e n t h M o n t h n e x t .
I w o u l d therefore
^ - I — The only reference to these conferences in the Intelligencer is the following notice
~ . 729,746): "Contributors to Swarthmore College a n d a l l who feel a n intercause of education a r e invited to m e e t at F r i e n d s ' M e e t i n g H o u s e , on
—i
P l a c e , N . Y . , o n F i f t h - d a y , F i r s t m o n t h , 2 8 t h , at 7g P . M . J j ^ j ^ C b
f
1
•
-1 TO ^ liftr
1
^^Continuation of FootnoteiiNoS.
on Page
'
n
-""^Ehe Annual Report will be resd, and other matters of interest connected with
the opening of the College will be discussed, - a general attendance is desired."
JC^
zlf*-
tri xL-
owktw
A notice of\lrbs> meetinglfor 3rd.Month 12,1869, was published in the Intelligencer
This is probably the arbitrators' award to Thomas Seabrooke, January 19,1869, of
$6,325.
1S
-
1L6
suggest an adjournment till Sixth Day, the 7" of Fifth Month next immediately preceeding
Philadelphia Yearly Meeting.
It is hoped we shall then have data upon which to determine
;he amount necessary & perhaps have that amount subscribed/**The Treasurer's reportjwas accepted as follows;
*1868
12 m
Dr.
1.
To Balance
•
$4,770.38
j
" Cash rec
"
"
"
"
"
"
from Baltimore receiver
New York
"
"
Philadelphia "
•
Cr.
By cash paid Construction a/c
"
"
" Organization a/c
1969
4 "Jpth 1
$400.
1,290.
13.725.
15.415.00
$20,185.38
$17,000.
1.387.43
18.387.43
$ 1,797.95.®^
Balance in h a n d
The a u d i t o r , Clement B i d d l e , reported that he had examined this account, con>-
iared it with the Treasurer's vouchers, and found it correct.
The original of the treasurer's report, dated "Philada 4th Mo 1st 1869", is
ixtant, and the following items upon it are not recorded on the Board's minutes;
j
i
Capital Stock
Donations
I
Interest A c c t .
Philada
New York
Baltimore
$118,200.
51,699.
7,000.
176,899.
philada
New York
11,559.10
976.75
Philada
New York
5,615.17
6.036.73
West Dale Property
Construction A c c t .
Organization A c c t .
Cash in Bank
12,535.85
11.651.90
$201,086.75
25,283.49
165,756.
8,249.31
1.797.95&301.086.75
The Household Committee reported "s\ich attention to their duties as may aid
hem for practical details in the opening of the C o l l e g e .
A c t i n g in conjunction with the
urnishing Committee appointed by the Stockholders $3,482.28 have been collected toward
furnishing.
As many persons volunteered with much interest to assist in the sewing
during the winter $1,093.39 have "been expended for material all of which will he made
up gratuitously."
The Board received this last report with "a general expression of encouragement as to the labors of the Women's Committee."
It "united with" the President's
"suggestion in regard to adjournment, and the Finance Committee with the President were
requested to prepare estimates of the expense of finishing and furnishing the College and
of conducting it for one year and to report the same at the adjourned meeting."
The
Finance Committee with the Treasurer were also "requested to take the necessary means to
77
secure the collection, as far as possible, of all unpaid subscriptions.
It is evident from the above minutes that, although some progress had been
made during the preceding year, the first half of 1869^continuftc^the crisis in the^affairs
of the college.
In 3rd. Month, "a Friend in Central New York," in an open letter to
President Parrish, said: "Then let us pray for the completion of Swarthmore."
This
drew from "H.J." the cricitiem that since "prayer" refers to "the language of the soul
in its silent invocation to the Father of Spirits", the plea for "-orsyer" in behalf of
Swarthmore College was vague and meaningless.
en article for the Intelligencer,
ny
Thereupon, " N . B . ^ poughkeepsie," wrote
defending "prayer" for Swarthmore.
In this, he
—
said in partir^I certainly regard the expression, 'Let us pray for completion of Swarthmore,' &c, as appropriate and consistent.
Is not that Institution intended as a benedic-
tion - a practical testimonial of the interest its projectors feel in what they consider
a good, and a most effective instrumentality in the education of the immortal mind?
And
inasmuch as it is a most fitting tribute of interest and affection to the youth of the
Society and to others, and embraces a pfilatent's highest, holiest, and most engrossing
" Intelligencer, Vol.
- I M d , -Vear7H8€wP.
'
•l-gs
trust - the right education of his child -
14-
Y
why may we not regard it as much an altar
raised to the Infinite, as was that of Jacob, in acknowledgment that 'God was with him
in the way that he went?'
-"The intellect, the affections, man's highest interests, and his most sacred
devotional aspirations, are so connected and so dependent one upon another, that we may
not attempt to dissever them.
i*Are not the cultivation and enlargement of the intellect, the judgment and
the reason, quite as important a duty as the training of the religious sentiments, and
especially so, as the right direction and application of the latter are so directly dependent upon the enlightened condition of the former?
The affirmative to this must
follow, if we keep in mind a most conclusive principle - that the conscience will invariably follow the judgment, and secure its approval only by yielding to the dictation of
the latter.
ttThe object of Swarthmore College is to educate all the faculties of the
child, and hence that they may all rejoice together; and is not this a work for which
every lover of the race may and should reverently pray?
Do not the intellectual, the
spiritual, the divine attributes conferred upon man by the God of his being, and which
connect him bo closely with the Father, claim our grateful acknowledgment, and may not the
acceptable prayer ascend that the instrumentalities for the right advancement of these
may more and more increase and be multiplied?
And while the mental appeal is mad.e, may
the open hand lend of its abundant means in the aid which is now invoked, that the work
may go on to an early completion.
In such a bequest we give something to posterity, the
value of which, at present, we may not attempt to estimate.
How true it is that its found-
er and benefactor needs no other monument, at the hands of men, than that of Yassar
Collegel
#Let me, as ijiraw to the conclusion of a longer article than I intended, say,
for those who are instant in season and out of season in their efforts for the completion
and opening of Swarthmore, that they deserve every encouragement in their unselfish labor
-ws
£
of love; and. if the same unfaltering zeal can be brought to bear, in furtherance of
this work, which blessed the Anti-Slavery engagement in the darkest hour of its eventful
struggle with a pro-slavery Church and State, its completion is 'even at the doors.'
I have a letter written in 1841,(and the writer has lived to see the slave's enfranchisement,) from a dear friend in New York city, expressing the exigency of the secred cause,
and specifying, at that moment, an indispensable instrumentality, with the added assurance
that 'his own efforts should be unfailing to collect the necessary outlay, though he
should have to beg it in the fractional parts of a dollarl'
His determination inspired
others, and the work was accomplished, which, with other agencies, has ultimately brought
its blessings on millionsI
notice the Editorial in the last Intelligencer upon the progress of
Swarthmore, and I would say to the Women's Committee named therein - 'Let your zeal be
TV
equal to the occasion, a^d your efforts will be blessed to yourselves, and to the children,
whose educational interests are so closely interwoven with your own life and b e i n g . ^ ^
Utf
Another correspondent, "X" of Philadelphia, confirmed this view in the words:'
C
I am not actively connected with our 'College' movement, having only contributed accord-
ing to ability to its funds; but I have been an interested observer of its progress, from
its inception in the minds of a few religiously concerned Friends, to its present state of
advancement under the care of energetic and practical men and women.
When I see the devo-
tion, the energy, the persistence of those engaged in this cause, who are laboring purely
for the good of the Society which embodies the principles they hold dear, I cannot but
a
consider it an earnest of its future management, and that our Society will be so alive to
its true interest, as to finish and endow it without unnecessary delay.
Philadelphia, 5th mu.;18G9>.
,
But the appropriateness of the appeal^was questioned by other correspondents
rntil the editors of the Intelligencer wrote a two-column editorial on the subject, in
l>
229'.
— w -
$ 4
1
2-ifj)
Thich they said: ^ I n the re-perusal of the letter from Central New York, in reference
;o Swarthmore College, and also the comments of N.B. upon it, in a later No., our first
Impressions have been confirmed - that they convey the earnest concern of the writers for
;he welfare of our young people, and that while these are receiving a literary education,
;hey should be shielded from influences at variance with 'the principles and testimonies'
>f Friends.
•^Regarding Swarthmore as an Institution pre-eminently designed to -protect our
u
ihildren at & critical period in life, when the worj^ is opening before them with its
'ashions and follies, its fascinations and allurements, they are anxious for its estab.ishment.
In earnestness of feeling the language was used, 'Let us pray for the completion
>f Swarthmore,' but we pres-ume not with the idea that the spirit of prayer is at our
omiaand, nor with the least intent 'to lower the standard of a qualification to p r a y ^ *
The theoretical subject of prayer was pursued in succeeding letters to the
joaker journal, but the friends of the Quaker college added to their prayers for it energetic
abor, on the principle that laborare est orare.
The "Committee of Women to aid in fur-
ishing Swarthmore College" met regularly and frequently in "Race Street Monthly Meeting
O-fyj
oom", as the notices of its secretary, Annie Cooper, in the Intelligencer announced.
All women who are interested in the College" were invited to attendj'jpAs the time for openng the college approached, the committee inserted in the Intelligencer
* fa
ppeal:
the following
^The Women's Committee having in charge the furnishing of the household departm-
ent of the College already find themselves without sufficient means to complete the necessry purchases, and are compelled once more to appeal for contributions towards that ob-
•
ect. While there has been no extravagance in the purchases already made, and strict econmy
be practised
in the appropriation of the funds hereafter entrusted to them, sub- will
Jtoi^-SSsPp.
264 -45.
122, 202, 265, 440.
tan
tial and
articles
are Month
believed
to be
the cheapest in the end, and these can Af" /A
- >•¥ol»
D6, durable
y&p. 457,
474 (9th.
18 and
25,1869),
;
L f27o[
369 -
1
W h a t was a p p a r e n t l y the first S w a r t h m o r e College Bulletin** w a s issued b y
this c o m m i t t e e , a n d it reads as follows:
Swarthmore N
College
Bulletin
6 Mo.
18th,
1869
The sum necessary to secure the opening of the College next A u t u m n h a v i n g
b e e n N E A R L Y r e a c h e d , the Women's Committee charged w i t h the f u r n i s h i n g of the house
h o l d , respectfully a s k a contribution to their fund from E?ERY O N E IN A T T E N D A N C E
UPON TK2 IYCSCM &UJIJION.
A R o o m is a p p r o p r i a t e d to this C o m m i t t e e , on the m a i n c o r r i d o r , where some
of its m e m b e r s w i l l be in a t t e n d a n c e throughout the day to take the names of contributors w i l l i n g to donate sums from One Dollar to One H u n d r e d D o l l a r s , towards
1
fitting the b u i l d i ng for its future inmates. ?^
"The Lyceum H e - U n i o n " , referred to in this n o t i c e , was the Sixth A n n u a l R e u n i o n of the F r i e n d s ' Social L y c e u m w h i c h w a s h e l d at Swarthmore on 6 t h . M o n t h 18th
1869.
The energy a n d enterprise of the W o m e n ' s Committee are w e l l illustrated by
their taking t h ^ o p p o r t u n i t y of enlarging their f u n d s .
f-x -
Infra, p .
3rv
only be secured b y the collection of m o r e m o n e y than lias yet b e e n s u b s c r i b e d .
•^Contributions sent to either of the u n d e r s i g n e d will b e h a n d e d to the
T r e a s u r e r , J a n e P . D o w n i n g , N o . 1613 Race S t .
* 0 n behalf of the C o m m i t t e e .
Elizabeth S . W o r t h , C o a t s v i l l e , P a .
H e l e n G . L o n g s t r e t h , 110 S . 17th S t . , P h i l a d a .
Margaret S. Parrish, 800 Arch St., Philada.
Martha G . M c l i v a i n , 3 4 t h a n d M a r k e t S t s . , P h i l a d a . \ A n n a M . H o n p e r , 919 .tf^aVQttth St'.,
Philada.
Elizabeth D o r s e y , G e r m a n t o w n , P h i l a d a . *
Two months a f t e r the college w a s o p e n e d , the W o m e n ' s F u r n i s h i n g Committee w a s
I
'
uft
still called/apon, as a p p e a r s from the f o l l o w i n g n o t i c e : "At the last a n n u a l m e e t i n g
of the Stockholders of Swarthmore C o l l e g e , information w a s g i v e n that it w a s necessary to
furnish rooms to accommodate one h u n d r e d a d d i t i o n a l p u p i l s .
the W o m e n ' s Furnishihg Committee was c o n t i h u e d .
T h e funds b e i n g e x h a u s t e d ,
They will h o l d their next m e e t i n g on
T h i r d - d a y , First m o . 1 1 t h , at 3g o ' c l o c k , in the Monthly M e e t i n g R o o m , R a c e S t .
Those
interested a r e invited to a t t e n d a n d u s e their efforts to raise the a m o u n t r e q u i r e d .
<7t
' , r- ' '
~
~
A n n i e C o o p e r , Sec."
T h e Managers m e a n w h i l e , b e t w e e n their m e e t i n g s on 4 t h . M o n t h 6 a n d o t h . M o n t h ^
7 , 1 3 6 9 , b e s t i r r e d themselves energetically to solve their financial p r o b l e m .
TThen the
meeting was held on the latter d a t e , - "at the College a t 2 P.M.," - twenty m e m b e r s w e r e
present.
Resignations w e r e received from E l i z a b e t h W . Lippincott a n d P h e b e W . F o u l k e ;
and a t a subsequent m e e t i n g ( o t h . M o n t h 1 7 , 1 8 6 9 ) , A n n a M . Hopper a n d Elizabeth D o r s e y
sere elected to fill the two vacancies for the u n e x p i r e d t e r m .
The p r e s i d e n t the^*presented his r e p o r t , which was doubtless d e v o t e d to the allImportant financial q u e s t i o n , a l t h o u g h the m i n u t e s of the m e e t i n g m e r e l y state that " a
report from the president w a s read," and do not quote it or m e n t i o n its s u b j e c t .
The
ninutes then continue: "The subject of p r o v i d i n g . t h e m e a n s f o r finishing and furnishing the
Duilding b e i n g under c o n s i d e r a t i o n , o u r friend Samuel W i l l e t s made a n offer on behalf of
f" -
-Vol. 0 6 , B . 7 1 3 .
19lends in New York that, inclusive of Ten Thxnisand dollars already guaranteed from
w York, they would contribute and pay $25,000 to finish the building, provided Friends
other places would raise a like sum in new subscriptions, exclusive of all previous
b s c r i p t i o n s
'"
C
yUMi
fr
It may well be imagined with what gratification the Board received this geners offer from "Samuel Willets and the Friends in New York," who had once against stepped
to the breachl
But the minutes simply record: "The Board took a recess till 5 . P.M."
can readily imagine also how eagerly the Philadelphia and Baltimore managers canvassed
eir financial possibilities, as they walked to and fro that afternoon in May, during
e "recess", on Swarthmore's campus within the shadow of Swarthmore's still uncompleted
ildingi
Sensing the approach of this crisis, some of the Managers evidently arranged
have present on the occasion other Philadelphians whose means and inclination might
ad them to help pass it safely. Two of the contributors mentioned below, namely, E.C
•
ight and F . A . Comly, were not members of the Board and were evidently among the
ih^t
xcursionists" who had come as invited guests.
An account of this "Excursion to Swarth-
re" was published in the Bucks Co. Intelligencer, and reprinted in the Friends' Intelli%U>
fP
ncer
of 5th. Month 22, 1869.
It was as follows:
company of about thirty persons
terested in the early completion of the new College at Swarthmore, in Delaware county,
sited the building and the grounds of the institution on the afternoon of the 7th inst.
e special object of the exclusion was to inspect the present conditioh of the work, and,
possible, to decide finally upon the question of opening the preparatory department next
11.
Soon after the arrival of the party at the College a meeting of the managers present
s held in one of the rooms, when a general discussion of the enterprise took place.
It
s found that the amount of money a.t the command of the managers was yet insufficient to
nish the work, as many of the subscribers had not yet responded to the proposition to add
0 for eachS y share
of stock originally
subscribed.
P p . 185
T - V ' f - \ 7 >
t)
<
^ m ^ ^ k -
jvrfkcfc-^e
^ L
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~ j
^
'
3 7/-/ . o
W
W
It appeared Jthat the
most
liberal subI
,
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'L.Zli
'
J
J//-I
37/.J
491
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a*Jlk
ru^Ka,
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SZiuXZ
scribers in the beginning had responded most generally to this c a l l .
During the meet-
ing a proposition was m a d e by Samuel W i l l e t t s , on behalf of New Y o r k , to furnish $ 2 5 , 0 0 0 ,
provided other subscriptions to a n equal amount could b e o b t a i n e d .
This would make
enough to complete and furnish the b u i l d i n g throughout, if the subscriptions before m a d e
were promptly p a i d u p , and would insure the opening of the College next f a l l .
The sub-
scription on the part of New York being c o n d i t i o n a l , a n d ten days b e i n g allowed to respond
and m a k e it b i n d i n g , a subscription p a p e r was started o n the spot a n d $3400 secured toward that o b j e c t .
If this beginning is followed up at once b y the friends of the C o l l e g e ,
the desirable end m a y be reached v e r y soon.
It is designed to make a strong effort dur-
ing the sitting of the Yearly M e e t i n g in P h i l a d e l p h i a this w e e k to secure the necessary
JtfjuutC^ TCtL.
sum.
Q^rxsfii
T h e r e are yet many who feel an interest in the College who have contributed
little or n o t h i n g .
They now h a v e the opportunity of giving timely h e l p .
T h e financial
interests of the enterprise are in the hands of Henry M . Laing and Edward P a r r i s h , who
nay be a d d r e s s e d on the subject.
T h e west w i n g of the college b u i l d i n g is now entirely
completed, except the inside p a i n t i n g .
in the very best m a n n e r .
A l l the p l a s t e r i n g a n d carpenter w o r k is done
The p l a s t e r e r s are now at w o r k in the centre building and east
wing, a part of which h a s already received the finishing c o a t .
whole can easily b e finished this s u m m e r .
It is one of the special merits of the
Swarthmore enterprise that no debt has been incurred.
than can be p a i d for by the money in the treasury.
Lng is of the most solid ana p e r m a n e n t character.
las been u s e d .
W i t h a d e q u a t e means the
No more w o r k is done at any time
E v e r y t h i n g about the immense bulld-
No second rate m a t e r i a l of any k i n d
The strict observance of this rule has increased the c o s t , but has a d d e d
greatly to the value of the p r o p e r t y .
There is no gingerbread work about the p r e m i s e s , but
3very feature is designed with special reference to convenience a n d d u r a b i l i t y .
Each
wing is supplied w i t h Ijaths and water-closets on every floor, and w i t h a hoisting apparatus
for conveying trunks and other heavy articles up and d o w n .
There are store-rooms for bed-
3 73
clothing on each floor.
The centre building, which separates the vings, is designed
for the common use of all the students, and contains a large dining hall, a library
room, and a spaciovis lecture and meeting room.
quarters extend from the rear of the centre.
The kitchen, "bakery and servants'
There are very spacious and well venti-
lated cellars, in which the fuel and furnaces will be placed.
appears to be admirably planned for the uses intended.
The whole structure
It has been found by experience
that an institution of this extent, if v/ell organized, can be much more economically and
successfully managed than one of smaller dimensions*.
There is no college in the country
founded upon a more liberal and comprehensive principle than Swarthmore, and none which
is more deserving of generous encouragement from all who properly value a practical and
3
solid education for their children. *^At five o'clockVfchatTl^ay afternoon, when the sun was beginning to set behind Cruto
Creek^s wooded ravine, and the "excursionists"^probably returned? home, the Board reassembled and, the minutes^ continue,^subscription papers having been prepared the
following subscriptions were obtained:
E d w a r d Hoopes.
One thousand dollars.
1,000.
E . C. Knight.
One thousand dollars.
1,000
Joseph Powell
"Five hundred dollars.
500
Edward Parrish
Five Hundred dollars.
500
Isaac Stephens.
Two hundred dollars.
200.
F . A . Comly.
One hundred dollars.
100
3,300
P T h e n adjourned till tomorrow evening at 8 o'clock at Race Street Meeting
House Philadelphia.
Edward Parrish, Clerk.**
This change from Swarthmore's campus to the City of Brotherly Love and the
strenuous effort of the twenty-four hours that followed did not avail, however, to procure the remaining $21,700 needed to meet the New York offer.
The Board, therefore,
3 "/V
375
riefly discussed the duties of the Committees on. Instruction and the Household, and then
Ijourned "to meet at Race Street Meeting house on Fifth d a y , 17" of 6" Month at 8 P.M."
The discussion of the two committees above mentioned led to the re-reading ind
i-approval of "the B y Laws pertaining to their £the committees*^] duties and to those of the
•esident as the head of the College when organized.
The proposed residence of the President
t the College at its iipening was also approved and the details of the arrangements left with
e Household Committee."
When the ^oard met on 6th. Month 1 7 , I869, the triumphant minute was recorded:
he President reported subscriptions to the stock, exceeding $22,000 in Philadelphia and
ltimore and vicinities, and Edward Hoopes on behalf of himself and others guaranteed that
e full sum of $25,000 should be reliably subscribed so as to secure the conditional subription made by Friends in New York at the meeting on the 7th ultimo."
No note of rejoicing, or even of appreciative thanks, follows the bare statent of this important fact; but its importance may be gorged by the minute which imraedtely follows, namely: "It was concluded that, when we adjourn, we adjourn to meet at the
liege tomorrow at 3 l/2 P . M . at which time the subject of opening the College & preparatory
hool shall be considered.'L
The closing minute also gives a hint of some of the natural elation which must
re inspired the Managers on safely passing the crisis.
It too is very brief, and is as
l l o w s " A f t e r much useful comparison of views the Board adjourned
Edward Parrish
Clerk."
Such are the brief minutes recording the transactions of this path-making
eting of the Board.
CHAPTER.
' IV.
THE
— — OPENING'
— — — —OF —SWARTHMORE
— — — — —COLLEGE,
— — — — I —S f —o .
The next afternoon, June I S , IS69, the ]Joard reassembled at the ^ollege ^uild-
376
, with seventeen members present, and in preparation for opening the college took the
lowing action*
The subject of the time of opening the School being considered, it was proposed
t the day fixBd should be the 21st of Tenth Month next.
On consideration this was approv-
m d the President is directed to advertize the proposed opening and to open the book
the names of pupils on the 12tn of Seventh Month next, the list to be kept open till the
of Eighth Month when if the list of children of stockholders is not sufficient to reach
limit of the number of pupils at the opening, that number may be made up from others, the
Ldren of members of the Society of Friends having preference.
To advise with and aid the President in regard to the admission of pupils,
ird Hoopes, Hannah W. Haydock, William Dorsey and Anna M . Hopper are appointed.
The number of pupils at the opening is limited to (150) Seventy five of Each
The price per pupil is fixed at $350. per Annum, without any extra charges.
ilon, closing on the first of Second Month 18J0 is to be charged at $125.
The first
-
The Furnishing Committee appointed by the stockholders to cooperate with the
sehold Committee of this Board in providing furniture for the College, is authorized to
aid the funds in their hands and which they may hereafter collect in stgjplying the house
1 the requisite furniture, and an additional sum of Five Thousand dollars is appropriated
;he Household Committee for the same purpose.
Eliza H . Bell|of New Y o r l ^ and Ellen Riley
Baltimore^ being remotely situated from Philadelphia, jjln their stea<^| Elizabeth Dorsey,
m a Hopper are added to the Household Committee.
The sum of ($5,000) Five Thousand dol-
3 is appropriated to the Instruction Committee for procuring the necessary school furni3, books & apparatus.
The First Faculty
After these decisions on the date of opening, the number of pupils, the
Lees", and the futniture, the Board next turned to the completion of the facultyV-^k.
faculty
''The following nominations made by the Committee on Instruction, being considered,
376 -
1
re fully united with and the President is hereby authorized to contract with the Friends
r one year, accordingly.
Anna Hallowell, professor of English Literature and History at a salary of
,000 per Annum.
Emily Hallowell, Teacher of English branches at a salary of $600. a year.
/
|
*tSusan J . C u n n i n g h a m , 'Teacher of M a t h e m a t i c s at a salary of $ 3 5 0 . a year."
T h e s e modest salaries w e r e p r o b a b l y increased by free b o a r d a n d lodging in
the college building during ten m o n t h s of the session; a n d if s o , would amount p e r h a p s
to $500 m o r e .
B\it even s o , they would a p p e a r to h a v e b e e n disproportionately s m a l l ) ^ i r t ^
in comparison with the all-inclusive charge of $350 p e r p u p i l .
D r . P a r r i s h a n d P r o f e s s o r Magi11 w e r e also to reside with their families
in the college building; a n d the f o r m e r , foreseeing the increased demands u p o n h i m w i t h
the opening of the c o l l e g e , expressed his d e s i r e ^ - at the m e e t i n g on 6 t h . M o n t h 1 8 ^ to be released fromfurther service a s Clerk of the B o a r d .
T h i s w a s complied w i t h , a
committee of three (William D o r s e y , H u g h Mcllvain a n d Henry M . L a i n g ) w a s "appointed to
nominate a c l e r k in his stead", and at the Board's next m e e t i n g , on 8 t h . M o n t h 5 , 1 8 6 9 ,
Clement M . B i d d l e w a s a p p o i n t e d to the o f f i c e .
P r o f e s s o r M a g i l l referring in h i s A u t o b i o g r a p h y t o the y e a r 1 8 6 8 - 6 9 , says
of the first faculty a n d its first informal meetingsj^^pOur m e e t i n g s w e r e then usuallya t t e n d e d b y Edward P a r r i s h and his w i f e M a r g a r e t , A n n a a n d Emily H a l l o w e l l , the dean
(then denominated m a t r o n ) , H e l e n G . L o n g s t r e t h , a n d Clement L . S m i t h .
Of these, Emily
H a l l o w e l l , b e i n g the y o u n g e s t , was not included ih the faculty when it w a s fully organized.
O f the original members of the f a c u l t y , b u t two n o w s u r v i v e .
These a r e
Clement L . S m i t h , our first s e c r e t a r y , w h o , after one y e a r ' s service at S w a r t h m o r e , w a s
called to a p r o f e s s o r s h i p at H a r v a r d , where he h a s since bad a successful career of m o r e
than thirty y e a r s , a n d m y s e l f . ^
T h e Catalogue of Swarthmore College for 1 8 6 9 - 7 0 gives only four m e m b e r s of
the " F a c u l t y " , a s follows: Edward P a r r i s h , P r e s i d e n t ; H e l e n G . L o n g s t r e t h , M a t r o n ;
Edward. H . M a g i l l , A . M . , P r i n c i p a l ; a n d Clement L . S m i t h , A . M . , S e c r e t a r y .
Clement L . Smith w a s not a p p o i n t e d to the faculty u n t i l 8 t h . M o n t h 5 , 1 8 6 9 ,
when he b e c a m e resident "Professor of the Greek a n d German L a n g u a g e s a n d L i t e r a t u r e , a n d
Acting P r o f e s s o r of M a t h e m a t i c s " , a s well a s the first Secretary of the F a c u l t y .
His
minutes of the faculty m e e t i n g s during the first year a r e , a l a s , not e x t a n t , a n d were
1 -
^Sj-xty-fjye Years in_ the Life of a T e a c h e r * , 1 9 0 7 , p p . 1 3 9 - 4 0 .
probably
b u r n e d in the Great Fire of 1 8 8 1 .
F r o m the president's report to the Board
on 4 t h . M o n t h 2 , 1 8 7 0 , we also learn that d u r i n g the first y e a r , " P r o f . Smith acting a s
librarian is engaged in a r r a n g i n g the b o o k s " ; but in the same report the P r e s i d e n t
states: fl>I have not before reported officially the resignation of our valued colleague
P r o f . Clement L . Smith, w h i c h takes' effect a t the conclusion of the p r e s e n t y e a r .
shall part w i t h h i m w i t h m u c h r e g r e t .
We
A s a n a c c o m p l i s h e d s c h o l a r , a n amiable & con-
scientious m a n , and an industrious & faithful t e a c h e r , he h a s steadily grown in the
respect and esteem of those most nearly associated w i t h him in this w o r k ; and we b e l i e v e
1
that his influence in the organisation of our College will l o n g b e felt. *'
JUa
P r o f e s s o r Smithj^received the degree of A . M . at Haverford C o l l e g e , in 1 8 6 0 ,
and at H a r v a r d in 1863; he returned to H a v e r f o r d a s L i b r a r i a n in 1 8 6 3 - 6 5 , a n d received
from it the degree of A . M y a n d , in 1 8 8 3 , L ^ L . D . ; after his y e a r at Swarthmore in 18697 0 , h e b e c a m e a tutor at H a r v a r d , 1 8 7 0 - 7 3 , A s s i s t a n t P r o f e s s o r of L a t i n , 1 8 7 3 - 1 9 0 4 ,
a n d Dean of various faculties at Harvard., 1 8 8 2 - 1 9 0 4 .
R e t i r i n g this last y e a r from his
long a n d u s e f u l academic c a r e e r , he died a t his home in C a m b r i d g e , M a s s . , July 1 , 1 9 0 9 .
A n n a H a l l o w e l l , although a p p o i n t e d p r o f e s s o r of English L i t e r a t u r e and History in M a y , 1 8 6 9 , is not mentioned in the C a t a l o g u e for 1 8 6 9 - 7 0 , a s f i l l i n g that c h a i r ,
although the p r o f e s s o r s h i p is listed u n d e r "Resident O f f i c e r s " , in the "Department of
Instruction", with two lines instead of h e r n a m e .
She resigned in 1 8 6 9 , b e f o r e the
Catalogue w a s p u b l i s h e d ; b u t no r e f e r e n c e to h e r resignation is to b e found in the m i n u t e s of the B o a r d .
She a n d h e r sister Emily were daughters of M o r r i s L o n g s t r e t h a n d
Hannah P e n r o s e H a l l o w e l l , Friends of P h i l a d e l p h i s , a n d distantly r e l a t e d to B e n j a m i n
Hallowell.
A t the time of their service at S w a r t h m o r e , A n n a w a s thirty-seven years of
a g e , and E m i l y a. dozen years h e r j u n i o r .
A letter from E m i l y to the a u t h o r of this
b o o k , dated P h i l a d e l p h i a , J a n u a r y 2 5 , 1 9 3 1 , states that Anna.'s"connection w i t h Swarthmore
^ - She died in P h i l a d e l p h i a thirty-four y e a r s l a t e r , A p r i l 6 , 1 9 0 5 .
379
ege was, on account of illness, of very short duration, only a few weeks."
After her
rement from Swarthmore, Anna Hallowell devoted herself to civic affairs in Philadelphia
was the first woman appointed to that city's Board of Education.
PCMr»»
Emilyj^taught i^istory and English branches in the preparatory school at
tbmore during the first year (IS69-7O) and "superintended the study room" during her
nd and last year of service (1870-71). She continued to teach "the English branches" in
preparatory school until IS7I» when she too resigned and returned to her home in Philphia.
Together with Frances E. Case, she established in Philadelphia a school which
the first in that city to prepare girls for college.
Susan J . Cunningham, having served as instructor in mathematics from 1869 to
, was appointed assistant professor (1372-7*0 and professor of mathematics and astronomy
U-I906), and played a prominent r&Le throughout the first generation of the college's
tence. She became emeritus professor in igo6^and died at her home in Swarthmore Borough,
ary 21, I92I.
Edward Magill's father had died while he was abroad, and in March, I869, he
, his mother. His tribute to her in his autobiography reveals both her and his own chief
r
•acteristicj
s-Q. a*.
'.
^She felt a great interest, ha ftB^gf^^n Swarthmore College, where I was to
,n my work the following autumn. Many a night I passed the long hours at her bedside, and
would often soothe her pain by repeating aloud snatches of verse which, from her lips,
been familiar to me in my childhood. Her last words to me when I first left hGme, at
steen years of age, seemed ever before me. She had told me then that I was starting out
myself in the world, that I must be very careful, even in little things, to do that
;h I felt to be right, no matter what advantage it might seem to me at the time to take
other course. Her religious teaching had nothing to do with creeds or beliefs, but
She lived at her home in Philadelphia (90S Clinton Street) until her death, February
17> 1935* Tour years earlier (February J,, 1931) » the college hoped to have her present
at the first "Collection", held in the Clothier Memorial Auditorium. If she had been
0
able to accept the invitation,she would, as the only living survivor of the c o m e of
tnI f e ^ i s in lS&.have bridged the gulf of two generations which haci elapsedsSce the
xirst "Collection" was held in Parrish Hall.
SB.* ci_t., pp. 13S-39.
380
srred always to conduct, to the performance of the day's duties to-day. I could hut
L that I owed more to my mother and to her influence than to any teacher or professor
jr whose instruction I had passed.
Surely there is no influence in life more potent
i a mother's, and no voice so long remembered as a mother's voice.
Professor Magill's Swarthmore Address,6th.Month 18,1869
On the ISth. of June I869, the day when the board, meeting at the college
Lding, decided to open the school the following October, the Friends' Social Lyceum of
Ladelpnia held another reunion on the college grounds,
This was the lyceum's sixth
xal reunion, and the card advertising its "Swarthmore College Excursion" promised an
jmination of the groundj& building and a day of enjoyment and recreation."
The literary
rcises of the occasion were held both morning and afternoon in the college building, and
3 participated in by "representatives from other Lyceums of a similar character", inkling those of Baltimore, Wilmington, Waterford, 7a., and Quakertown and Byberry, Pa.,
Ldes the Friends' Social Lyceum and the Whittier Reading Circle of Philadelphia. Among
participants were Ellen Hough of Virginia, who read a poem, entitled "An Offering for
rthmore", and Howard M. Jenkins of Wilmington, who made an address entitled "Is
terism Dead?"
The women's furnishing committee had issued, in anticipation of the excura, a "Swarthmore College Bulletin, 6 Mo. 12th, 1869", which reads as follows:
The sum necessary to secure the opening of the College next Autumn having
a nearly
reached, the Women's Committee charged with the furnishing of the household,
pectfully ask a contribution to their fund from every one in attendance upon the Lyceum
aion. A Room is appropriated to this Committee, on the main corridor, where some of
members will be in attendance throughout the day to take the names of contributors
ling to donate sums from One Dollar to One Hundred Dollars, towards fitting the building
its future inmates.
The programme for the afternoon session at 2 P.M. scheduled as its first
The Announcement and Programme of the meeting are preserved in a three-page leaflet in
Swarthmore's archives.
3S0 -
1
im an address entitled "Swarthmore" by Bdward P a r r i s h , President of the College; but it
i evidently decided that the opportunity would be a good one for publicly introducing
fessor Magill to the college constituency, and he accordingly gave what appears to have
n the first public address ever delivered in tne^college building.
It was entitled,
arthmore College: Course of Study, Discipline, etc.," and it fills nine columns of the
ends' Intelligencer.^
As a kind of educational c h a r t , prospectus, or basic outline of
new institution, as well as a reflection of the m o s t advanced educational ideas among
ends at the time, this address is of much interest and importance.
It reads as follows:
In attempting to lay out a course of study for an entirely new institution likB
rthmore, which shall unite all the advantages of old and long-tried systems w i t h whatever
been proved to be excellent and desirable in the newer modern m e t h o d s , fitly combining
wisdom of the past with the ever-advancing theories of the p r e s e n t , we are deeply imssed with the importance of the w o r k before u s , in view of the lasting influence which it
likely to exert upon generations yet u n b o r n .
For six years this institution has been
w i n g , in the outward* time and l a b o r , energy and m o n e y have been freely but most wisely
n t , and now that this preparatory work is so nearly accomplished, all minds are naturally
ning their attention toward the organization of the College for which this great preation has been m a d e .
The importance of right first steps is proverbial, and no one of
can now estimate the
V o l . X X V I , p p . 291-95*
This is the only reference in the Intelligencer to the Reunion.
influence for good o r for evil which those who are entrusted with the early organization of the college m a y , in its infancy, impress u p o n it.
hands should be placed u p o n such a w o r k .
Surely none hut prayerful
That cardinal principle of Friends, to wait
for the moving of the Spirit, to engage in no enterprise until we a r e sure that it is
a work to be done, and that we are called to do it, had never more significance than
here.
**rhe complete organization of the College m u s t , like the construction of
the b u i l d i n g , be a work of time.
We cannot h o p e , at first, to do m o r e than determine
its general outline, and give it the right direction.
We shall doubtless learn much b y
the experience of o t h e r s , but in a n enterprise like the p r e s e n t , the very first of the
kind attempted among Friends on this continent, we mast draw largely for our most valuable and available knowledge ur>on our own experience.
Our aim must b e h i g h , for we
shall surely not rise above it; and if we fall below it, ours will be but the common
lot of human effort.
—
dtThe minor details of the organization, and the practical application of our
general principles to the daily work of the school-room, constitute the. m a c h i n e r y , so to
speak, bjt which our results are to be produced; and a s the proper adjustment of this
machinery appertains to the Faculty of the College, w h o , being left free as to p r o c e s s e s ,
are to be held rigidly responsible for results, p h y s i c a l , mental and m o r a l , a consideration of these details necessarily lies beyond my present scope,
^irst,
thexTT"6-s to tne requisites for admission to the preparatory department of the College, it is believed that no child of ordinary intelligence who has reached the a g e of 12 years but will be capable of entering
profitably
upon our preliminary
course, and hence no examination for admission will be required, and no standard of
scholarship set u p .
The time may come when we shall be in a condition to set up an
absolute standard, and deem it advisable to do so, but at present it would be neither
necessary nor desirable.
The age of 12 years has b e e n adopted as the earliest period at
v/hich parents would generally be willing to entrust their children to the influences
i
of a. large school, a n d d e p r i v e t h e m , for the time b e i n g , of the g u a r d e d influence of
the home c i r c l e .
My own decided impression is that it w o u l d b e b e t t e r for children to
enter upon our coarse at an earlier rather than a t a later a g e ; and as it becomes more a n d
mors generally u n d e r s t o o d that Swarthmpre m a y b e considered as a n o t h e r h o m e , that it h a s
a father, deeply concerned for the highest w e l f a r e of a l l the c h i l d r e n , in the p e r s o n of
the P r e s i d e n t , a n d a m o t h e r , w i t h h e r warm sympathy a n d most gentle a n d refining
influence,
in the p e r s o n of the M a t r o n , p a r e n t s will n o ^ longer feel that they a r e incurring a n y risk
in sending their children from u n d e r their immediate influence even at a n earlier a g e .
They will be the more inclined to this course on l e a r n i n g that the m o s t a m p l e provisions
are m a d e for their children's h e a l t h and comfort; that their s t u d i e s , m a d e cheerful a n d
attractive by intelligent a n d sympathetic t e a c h e r s , a r e properly a l t e r n a t e d w i t h agreeable
and h e a l t h f u l exercises; that a wise a n d careful m o r a l supervision is constantly exercised
over them in their hours of recreation as w e l l as those of study; in s h o r t , that their
three-fold n a t u r e s are h a r m o n i o u s l y a n d symmetrically d e v e l o p e d .
our preparatory cotH'se, extending e w e r a p e r i o d of three y e a r s , especial
attention will b e p a i d to the essential b r a n c h e s w h i c h constitute a g o o d ordinary E n g l i s h
education; for although it is the especial object of this course to p r e p a r e for the
collegiate course to f o l l o w , all experience in similar institutions teaches that a large
per centage of the pupils w i l l n e v e r get beyond i t .
The w a n t s of this large class cannot
properly be i g n o r e d , w h i l e at the same time we m u s t exercise a jealous care l e s t , in p r o viding for these to the detriment of those who will a v a i l themselves of the full course
3f s t u d y , w e p e r m i t our College to degenerate into a m e r e Ardinary or h i g h s c h o o l .
Is the dax^ger against w h i c h F r i e n d s cannot b e too early f o r e w a r n e d .
This
I clearly f o r e s e e ,
to-day, that u n c e a s i n g v i g i l a n c e alone on the p a r t of those who control the p r e s e n t a n d
shape the future of this i n s t i t u t i o n , w i l l save it from such a fate a n d m a k d it what its
sarly founders d e s i g n e d , a C o l l e g e , in its curriculum a n d in the f a c i l i t i e s a f f o r d e d for
Imparting the highest b r a n c h e s of k n o w l e d g e , second to none in the l a n d .
I see a l r e a d y a
tendency, not at all u n n a t u r a l , to compare it w i t h W e s t t t o w n S c h o o l , a n d the various
lee,
private boarding schools throughout the c o u n t r y .
3
SS
F a r b e it from me to be guilty of the
ingratitude of saying aught against the excellent school at W e s t t o v m , w h e r e two of the
happiest years of m y life w e r e s p ^ t , now u n f o r t u n a t e l y restricted to the m e m b e r s of a
portion of the Society of Friends; b u t ours is a school u p o n a n entirely different p l a n ;
and we m u s t never rest satisfied u n t i l it claims a n h o n o r a b l e p l a c e in the rank of the
colleges of the highest g r a d e , m o r e p r a c t i c a l , it is t r u e , and more in harmony w i t h the
progressive spirit of the a g e , it is h o p e d , than t h e y , b u t a f f o r d i n g a culture no less
thorough a n d c o m p r e h e n s i v e .
A n objector recently stated that a f t e r piitting more than
$200,000 into this b u i l d i n g , and the a p p a r a t u s n e c e s s a r y for opening a school, w e should
not be a b l e to accommodate m o r e than a small fraction of the c h i l d r e n , even of the Society of F r i e n d s .
made?
That objection tells the w h o l e s t o r y .
U n d e r what impression w a s it
C l e a r l y , that the u l t i m a t e end a n d design of the institution was to educate child-
ren of all g r a d e s of a c q u i r e m e n t , from the rudiments u p w a r d , g r a d u a t i n g , it m a y b e , a
very select few of the b e s t scholars every y e a r .
the statement that this is a College
H o w l e t such objections be a n s w e r e d b y
in fact a s v/ell as in n a m e , b u i l t for future
generations a s w e l l as our own; that 1 0 0 y e a r s h e n c e this b u i l d i n g , if no unfortunate
accident intervene (against w h i c h it is m o s t a m p l y p r o v i d e d ) , will be as substantial a n d
c
a s well calculated to answer the great p u r p o s e of its erection as it is to-day; that the
scheme of introducing a p r e p a r a t o r y school w i t h i n these College walls is but
transitional;
the first step in the ladder of p r o g r e s s , a m e a n s of p r e p a r i n g the children to b e n e f i t b y
the facilities w h i c h the College w i l l a f f o r d t h e m , a n d p r e p a r i n g the m i n d s of their parents as w e l l M
erations,
to go forward in this great educational movement in b e h a l f of coming gen-
I r e p e a t , w i t h e m p h a s i s , S w a r t h m o r e m a s t n o t b e a l l o w e d to crystallize into a n
ordinary h i g h s c h o o l , but it must •ultimately (whether we of. the p r e s e n t g e n e r a t i o n live to
see it or n o t ) b e supplied with p u p i l s w e l l p r e p a r e d in the r u d i m e n t a r y branches of knowledge
by various a c a d e m i e s a n d high schools throughout the c o u n t r y , w h i c h will serve a s feeders
to it; and it m u s t itself stand o\it a b o v e them a l l , the crowning glory of our educational
system, a shining jgoal, raising the standard of a l l the lower schools, b i d d i n g them come
183. 3 f ^
up h i g h e r .
Thus shall its indirect influence h e felt "by thousands who never enter its
w a l l s . Swarthmore
m u s t come to t h i s , or u t t e r l y fail of its high i n t e n t .
"^Object teaching a n d the study of t h i n g s , rather than or w o r d s destitute of
interest b e c a u s e imperfectly u n d e r s t o o d , a n d the v a r i o u s m o d e r n a p p l i a n c e s for m a k i n g
study p l e a s a n t a n d a t t r a c t i v e , w i l l receive especial a t t e n t i o n in the. y o u n g e r classes;
and indeed throughout the entire course of s t u d y , c o l l e g i a t e and p r e p a r a t o r y , it will e v e r
be the aim of the Faculty to impart sound k n o w l e d g e , a n d contribute to m e n t a l a n d m o r a l
g r o w t h , rather than to m a k e a vain show of a given n u m b e r of pages or v o l u m e s m a s t e r e d .
While we do not p r o f e s s to be converts to the theory that teaching should be done without
b o o k s , we a r e nevertheless most firmly convinced that b o o k s m a y b e m a d e a h i n d r a n c e w h e r e
they should be a h e l p , a n d that v e r y often they a r e the letter w h i c h k i l l e t h tn the h a n d s
of teachers d e s t i t u t e of that spirit w h i c h m a k e t h a l i v e .
services of teachers of a different c l a s s .
Swarthmore has a right to the
Those who enter u p o n duty h e r e must b e fully
alive to the weighty respofasibilities which they a s s u m e , full of love for the special w o r k
which they u n d e r t a k e to d o , enthusiasts in it, a n d capable of inspiring their own enthusiasm in the m i n d s of the y o u n g p e r s o n s committed to their c h a r g e .
Those who h a v e liber-
ally contributed of their m e a n s to the establishment of this i n s t i t u t i o n , and of their
time, a n d t h o u g h t , a n d b e s t energies to the w i s e s t a n d most economical a p p l i c a t i o n of the
means thus c o n t r i b u t e d , h a v e a right to d e m a n d that the institution shall offer to their
children educational facilities second to none w h i c h the country a f f o r d s .
T h o s e who en-
list in the w o r k of satisfying this demand m a y be sure that it is no p l a c e for sitting
down a n d folding idle h a n d s .
They m u s t b e w i l l i n g , setting a s i d e other interests a n d
duties, to p u t the best p a r t of their lives into the great w o r k .
T h e n only can they hope
to see the ripe fruit of their labors a n d their s a c r i f i c e s , b u t if they a r e faithful to
the end the reward will b e g r e a t .
• A d m i t t e d at the .age of 1 2 , the p u p i l m a y either enter at once u p o n a carefully
prepared course of study, preparatory to our c o l l e g i a t e c o u r s e , g r a d u a t i n g a t the end of
^
3
w
seven y e a r s , three b e i n g set apart for the p r e p a r a t o r y s t u d i e s , a n d four for the
College course; o r , w h e r e there is no intention to g r a d u a t e , a p a r t i a l course may
he pursued during one or m o r e t e r m s , such studies b e i n g selected a s m a y meet the
approbation of the F a c u l t y .
^ith
reference to our full course of s t u d y , this is n e i t h e r the time nor
the place to enter into detail; suffice it to say that we endeavor to a v o i d a, course
too exclusively either theoretical or p r a c t i c a l ; b e l i e v i n g that in this a s in other
things the truth is found in the g o l d e n m e a n b e t w e e n the two extremes; or r a t h e r , we
endeavor so to direct the y o u n g m i n d in its eager search after k n o w l e d g e , (for the truest
teaching is not impart ing k n o w l e d g e so m u c h as enabling the m i n d to obtain it f o r
itself), that the various subjects of inquiry a r e d e v e l o p e d in their natural o r d e r , a n d
theory a n d p r a c t i c e go h a n d in h a n d .
O n e - h a l f the controversy w h i c h exists in the edu-
cational w o r l d t o - d a y , as to m e t h o d s of i n s t r u c t i o n , a n d the relative importance of the
various departments of h u m a n k n o w l e d g e , a r i s e s from a n u n f o r t u n a t e tendency to p r e p a r e
exclusively for the special w o r k to which the life is to b e d e v o t e d , thus n a r r o w i n g a n d
cramping the m i n d for the sake of a n abnormal development in a single d i r e c t i o n , training to their very utmost capacity one set of faculties at the expense of others
equally important.
We c a n n o t , it is t r u e , too h i g h l y estimate the value of special
training, a n d of almost exclusive a t t e n t i o n to p a r t i c u l a r d e p a r t m e n t s , to ensure the
highest degree of s u c c e s s , a n d to enable u s to do our part toward the increase of the
sum of h u m a n k n o w l e d g e ; b u t unless we wish to b e c o m e m e r e m a c h i n e s of very p e r f e c t
construction, a d a p t e d only to a single e n d , let this special training b e p r e c e d e d by a
generous and liberal c u l t u r e , conducive to a h a r m o n i o u s a n d symmetrical development of
the v a r i o u s faculties of the m i n d .
—i
P^juJ+JL"
St^U^jOJ
<#The p u p i l s of the "out of course' d e p a r t m e n t , consisting of such as c a n n o t ,
for any c a u s e , a v a i l themselves of the full b e n e f i t s w h i c h the College is intended to
confer, w i l l recite in such of the various regular classes a s they m a y be qualified to
inter; and. a l t h o u g h they m u s t lose the b e n e f i t of the regular a n d consecutive course of
studies, w h i c h we deem b e s t fitted to prepare them for future u s e f u l n e s s , we yet hope to
present to a l l s u c h , facilities far superior to those w h i c h they w o u l d enjoy in our
jrdinary p r i v a t e b o a r d i n g schools; a n d if at any time after entering the i n s t i t u t i o n ,
through the influence of their instructors and the esprit du corps creating a new atmosphere a r o u n d them, they should, w i t h the approbation of their parents or g u a r d i a n s ,
change their p l a n s , a n d decide to take our full course of s t u d y , the services of the
A c u i t y would always be cheerfully given to enable t h e m , by extra e x e r t i o n , to prepare
themselves for admission to the regular classes in full s t a n d i n g .
We trust that as the
Institution m a k e s it^jinfluence more and more widely felt a m o n g F r i e n d s , the value of our
-all course will be more a n d :uore generally r e c o g n i z e d , and that the number of those who
snter for a short a n d imperfect course will steadily d i m i n i s h .
N o r w i l l the great privi-
leges which S w a r t h m o r e a f f o r d s be confined to the children of the w e a l t h y and those ih
comfortable c i r c u m s t a n c e s .
W e have every reason to b e l i e v e ^ t h a t , if the institution m e e t s
the expectations of its f o u n d e r s , a m p l e endowments w i l l , in t i m e , be m a d e , to enable u s to
educate a. large number of p u p i l s free of all p r e s e n t e x p e n s e , receiving from them loan notes
without i n t e r e s t , to b e r e p a i d , w h e n they shall be a b l e to do so, in a f t e r l i f e .
Those who
Till avail themselves of this privilege w i l l b e likely to b e a t h o r o u g h , p r a c t i c a l , selfiependent class of y o u n g m e n and women to whom the advantages of S w a r t h m o r e w i l l be especially v a l u a b l e .
Each $5000 left a s a permanent endowment w o u l d m a i n t a i n forever one p u p i l
In the C o l l e g e , free of all e x p e n s e , even should the loan notes never b e r e p a i d , a n d we
should have b u t little faith in the moral training of Swarthmore if we did not believe that
they always w o u l d b e , to the uttermost f a r t h i n g , w h e n e v e r the circumstances of the recipient
would allow i t .
j^- ' C X ^ U . "
"
( t ^ ^ X ^ S j
O f what a v a i l will it b e for p a r e n t s to m a k e the sacrifice which they must to
?
give their children a complete course of instruction at S w a r t h m o r e .
T h e m e r c h a n t will tell
you that h i s son w o u l d b e absent from home d u r i n g some of the most v a l u a b l e y e a r s of h i s
life, when h e mi'ght b e a c q u i r i n g a k n o w l e d g e of the details of b u s i n e s s , which w o u l d l a y
^
M 7
the foundation of an independent fortune; the farmer will say that his b o y s w o u l d return
to the paternal h e a r t h with ideas quite different from those which their fathers
enter-
tained, and totally u n f i t t e d for the a r d u o u s and now distasteful labors of the farm; the
mechanic is confident that h i s son w o u l d return to h i m quite disqualified for earning h i s
bread b y the sweat of his b r o w , and ready to take u p with any m e a n s w h i c h m a y offer of
makinga l i v i n g without laboring w i t h his h a n d s ; a n d the w i v e s of these various classes will
tell y o u , our daughters w o u l d return to u s with their h e a d s filled w i t h other views t h a n
those which their mothers entertained b e f o r e them; a c c o m p l i s h e d l i n g u i s t s and chemists a n d
mathematicians it may b e , familiar w i t h h i s t o r y , the laws of nations a n d the theory of
^government, b u t totally incapable of o r d e r i n g the homely a f f a i r s of the h o u s e h o l d w i t h
which every wife-and rntbther should b e f a m i l i a r .
N o w those who raise these objections a r e
"honest a n d thoughtful men a n d w o m e n , who speak thus not in a f a u l t - f i n d i n g s p i r i t , but
{because they are looking
;
forward to w h a t they conceive to b e the h i g h e s t good for their
children, a n d their objections cannot be lightly set aside as u n w o r t h y , but m u s t be m e t
by plain and candid a n s w e r s .
hoard u p wealth?
W h a t , t h e n , is the a i m of our existence here?
Is it to
Is it not rather for the development of the noblest faculties of our
being to their utmost c a p a c i t y , thereby f i t t i n g ourselves to do all the good p o s s i b l e to
our fellow-men?
'/That m a t t e r s it w h e t h e r w e follow the p a r t i c u l a r b u s i n e s s w h i c h our
fathers followed or not?
The m e r c h a n t ' s , farmer's or m e c h a n i c ' s son m a y b e c o m e a. profes-
sional m a n if his tastes a n d inclinations p r o m p t in that d i r e c t i o n .
If p r o p e r l y t a u g h t ,
he will a l w a y s respect the business or occupation of h i s f a t h e r , a n d , h o n o r i n g the nobility of l a b o r , will b e ready to engage in it h i m s e l f should circumstances require it; w h i l e ,
to whatever p u r s u i t he may b e c a l l e d , the k n o w l e d g e w i t h w h i c h his m i n d is stored will be
a source of life-long p l e a s u r e a n d satisfaction; a n d the y o u n g w o m e n , qualified b y their
thorough intellectual traihing for w h a t e v e r v o c a t i o n s the increased facilities for the
occupation of women m a y open b e f o r e t h e m , will be ready to take their p l a c e s by the side of
men as their equal a n d respected co-workers and c o u n s e l l o r s .
To all p a r e n t s we w o u l d s a y ,
^
5 Si
whatever else y o u give y o u r c h i l d r e n , do not fail to offer them a l l the educational advantages w h i c h y o u r circumstances w i l l p e r m i t .
Never give them the h i t t e r o c c a s i o n to
regret g o l d e n opportunities for k n o w l e d g e , lost a f t e r it is too late to retrieve the
error.
For what do y o u toil early a n d late hut to secure a competence for y o u r c h i l d r e n ,
and yet it w e r e far better to leave them w i t h a thorough education to b e g i n the w o r l d for
themselves^ than loaded with wealth w i t h o u t that refining culture w h i c h liberal studies
give.
Do y o u seek y o u r children's truest happiness in this world; w o u l d y o u m a k e them the
most u s e f u l m e m b e r s of society a n d a b l e s s i n g to the a g e in w h i c h they live; do y o u even
value w e a l t h a n d p o s i t i o n for them in mature a g e - a l o w e r b u t not a n u n w o r t h y motive; in
each and every case I w o u l d say e d u c a t e them t h o r o u g h l y , even at the expense of all y o u r
worldly p o s s e s s i o n s if n e e d b e ; a n d if m o r e is n e e d e d , we h o p e that y o u may look to the
endowment f u n d as a long and generous loan to do the r e s t .
True h a p p i n e s s , the highest
D e g r e e of u s e f u l n e s s , a n d h o n o r a b l e competence a n d an influential p o s i t i o n a m o n g their
fellows, will all b e m o r e certainly secured to them by these means than b y any o t h e r ,
and y o u w i l l find education (not m e r e l y the rudimentary a n d a l l - e s s e n t i a l knowledge of the
ordinary s c h o o l s , but the highest and best education w h i c h colleges can g i v e , ) a m o r e permanent investment than real e s t a t e , a n d m o r e p r o f i t a b l e than Government securities or
first m o r t g a g e b o n d s of the P a c i f i c R a i l r o a d .
,
_
• -j
® T h e discipline of Swarthmore w i l l be that of influence rather than of authority.
r
O t h e r things b e i n g equal, we recognize the p r i n c i p l e that a s c h o o l , like a n a t i o n
oyj" a f a m i l y , is a l w a y s best g o v e r n e d when it is g o v e r n e d l e a s t .
T e m p o r a r y repression to
check immediate w r o n g - d o i n g may sometimes b e essential in any form of government^ b u t he
who imagines that a n y such means are actively r e f o r m a t o r y , or i n d e e d , of t h e m s e l v e s , of any
permanent v a l u e , is self-deceived., a n d no one who relies u p o n them a s a m e a n s of discipline
should b e entrusted with the m i s m a n a g e m e n t of y o u t h .
The only really effectual a e s n s of
governing y o u n g persons is by efficient m o r a l t r a i n i n g , instructing them h o w to govern
themselves, a n d encouraging a n d trusting them to do i t .
The habitual resort to any forci-
ble m e a n s to repress w r o n g - d o i n g , or to a n odious system of espionage
to prevent it, a r e
qually at variance w i t h all sound v i e w s of g o v e r n m e n t , a n d always w e a k e n rather than
trengthen the p o w e r of self-control of those over w h o m they are e x e r c i s e d .
Trust young
eople; he not suspicious of t h e m , a n d they will p r o v e , as a r u l e , that they a r e not unorthy of y o u r c o n f i d e n c e .
The rare cases of a b u s e of confidence m u s t b e firmly m e t a s
hey a r i s e , a n d treated with great c a r e , h a v i n g in v i e w first of all the restoration of
lie offender, a n d s e c o n d , the general good of the s c h o o l .
I a m a m r e that this is a n inver-
ion of the doctrine as very often stated, but it is the truly Christian order; and no
eacher lias a right in such a case to apply the doctrine of 'the greatest g o o d to the great3t number,' nor to m a k e one of h i s p u p i l s suffer a p e n a l t y for the b e n e f i t of h i s classites, h o w e v e r flagrant the offence m a y have b e e n ; indeed it usually h a p p e n s that the v e r y
m r s e best calculated for the restoration of the offender is, for that very reason b e s t
lapted to exercise a salutary influence u p o n the rest of the s c h o o l .
P u p i l s who a r e taught
) govern themselves in the absence of the teacher are i n c o m p a r a b l y b e t t e r trained a n d disLplined than the faithful eye-servants of the rigid m a s t e r , w h o , in the p r e s e n c e of their
sacher are m o d e l s of obedience and d o c i l i t y .
W h e n I speak of force a s contrasted w i t h
>ral m e a n s , it will be u n d e r s t o o d that I include a l l those petty subterfuges to w h i c h teachrs sometimes resort, a n d w h i c h a r e , in r e a l i t y , in view of their effect u p o n the m i n d of
ie p u p i l , m u c h m o r e objectionable than the direct a n d straightforward a p p l i c a t i o n of
jrporal p u n i s h m e n t as inflicted by a m a s t e r of the old r e g i m e .
Every idea of antagonism
stween teacher a n d p u p i l must b e b a n i s h e d from the s c h o o l - r o o m , and a feeling of confim c e must take its p l a c e , if w e would exercise a h e a l t h f u l influence o v e r the minds of
ie y o u n g , a n d b e most successful in imparting k n o w l e d g e .
No true teacher w i l l f a i l , w h e n
5 finds the discipline of h i s class unusually d i f f i c u l t , to subject h i m s e l f to the strictest self-examination, a n d he very often finds that the true origin of the difficulty lies
l his own physical or m o r a l c o n d i t i o n .
H e p r o m p t l y a p p l i e s the p r o p e r r e m e d y , a n d the
Logged and retarded m a c h i n e r y of the school goes on a s smoothly a n d h a r m o n i o u s l y as e v e r .
i
3W different the result j^f his own self-love h a d p r o m p t e d him to p l a c e the b l a m e u p o n h i s
apils instead of where it rightfully b e l o n g e d .
A n intelligent teacher who does not fail
$
n self-government can rarely fail in the government of a s c h o o l .
in the case of the arrangement of the details of the course of study aleady referred, to, so with regard to the practical application of general principles to
ne details of school and college discipline, the Faculty must assume the responsibility,
sing left free as to processes, and held rigidly resx>onsible for results.
You employ a
aysician and judge of his work by the general results which h e p r o d u c e s , condemning or
pproving according to his failures or successes; but with the compounding and portioning
it the m e d i c i n e s , prescribing the diet of the patient and his general management as to
ie details of the sick-room, the non-professional employer does not presume to interfere^
), if teaching is to be regarded a s a p r o f e s s i o n , as it must be if the highest and b e s t
?suits are to be reached by those who en -age in this arduous and most responsible d u t y ,
ie non-professional employer, who understands the importance of the noble profession which
5 to exercise a life-long influence upon his children, will look
saving the processes
carefully
to results,
by which those results are obtained to him who has made them the
>jects of special professional training and study, and has devoted his life to the work^®~
T h e topics s e l e c t e d ^ o i ^ t h i s ^ d d r e s s , as well as their treatment, are strongly
miiniscent of the educational discussions of mid-Victorian d a y s .
Its earnest plea for a
illege education, as distinguished from that of a high school, was entirely necessary,
id especially^(oe. even) in certain quarters of the Society of F r i e n d s . Swarthmore's found•s made much u s e of its contemporaries, Cornell and V a s s a r , for impressing this l e s s o n .
rv
j /C^x.
(Q
re^Intelligencer
published two articles ' telling h o w , when all of the money raised for
irnell"had b e e n exhausted in purchasing a site and in erecting one large edifice |for
i Agricultural Collegej, and a heavy debt threatened to swallow up all that h a d been
tcomplished" , Ezra Cornell had given nearly a million dollars, and h a d thus enabled the
illege to offer a very broad system of education.
:tober, 1 8 6 8 , the Intelligencer
W h e n Cornell opened its doors in
chronicled the fact with pleasure and with suggestive
^icipation of Quaker emulation.
- VolSjg^
ftp. 5 4 1 , 5 5 8 .
- Y o K ' ^ L - f t p . 544, V o l . S & A f i . 5 7 1 .
j
r
'
if/
T h e educationa.1 ideal of m a n y "Friends still found fulfilment in "the practical and guarded education" of F r i e n d s ' p r e p a r a t o r y s c h o o l s ,
was illustrated h y the
collection of funds w i t h i n P u r c h a s e Quarterly M e e t i n g , U . Y . , "for the erection of a
Boarding-school (for both sexes) which will a c c o m m o d a t e 1 0 0 p u p i l s , whefre the youth m a y
receive a thorough p r a c t i c a l education to fit them for the duties of life."
This enter-
prise w a s a n n o u n c e d in the Intelligencer for 1 1 t h . M o n t h 6 , 1869,^'at the v e r y time that
Swarthmore w a s opening its d o o r s .
One m o n t h l a t e r , the F r i e n d s of Genesee Y e a r l y M e e t i n g
opened at East H a m b u r g , N . Y . , a school for "80 b o a r d e r s a n d the n e c e s s a r y a t t e n d a n t s , - - designed to give thorough instruction in the common a n d h i g h e r branches of an English
I
educatiorif^l/
c.
P r o f e s s o r M a g i l l , a r d e n t l y a d v o c a t i n g a "liberal" instead of a "pratical"
education for the majority of m e n and w o m e n as w e l l as for the training p r e l i m i n a r y to
technical or professional c a r e e r s , sounded against- the note of d e t e r m i n a t i o n , which h a d
seen so long and w a s still longer to b e sounded by Swarthmore's f o u n d e r s , that a genuine
college
should be established; a n d in this first a d d r e s s , h e even forecast the time when
the p r e p a r a t o r y school w o u l d be entirely a b a n d o n e d .
To help solve the financial p r o b l e m for p a r e n t s of small m e a n s , h e a d v o c a t e d
/3
scholarship endowments;
and he evidently p r e f e r r e d this m e t h o d of student assistance to
the policy of p a y i n g students w a g e s for s e r v i c e s . r e n d e r e d .
T h e latter
p o l i c y , it is
;rue, was just b e i n g inaugurated at .Cornell, whejji M r . Cornell's statement that students
it the college would be able to support themselves b y m a n u a l labor h a d called forth the
first year 2,000 applications for a d m i s s i o n .
Cornell's i n c o m e , h o w e v e r , was $ 7 6 , 7 4 4 ,
;aabling it to pay instructors $ 3 8 , 0 0 0 and. to set u p f a m i n g a n d v a r i o u s k i n d s of engineer14
Lng and m e c h a n i c a l w o r k .
B e s i d e s , P r o f e s s o r M a g i l l w a s evidently of the o p i n i o n that
Bi 5 7 0b.e p o s t p o n e d u n t i l after school a n d college y e a r s , w h e n from the income
fage-earning should
i - I b i d , Vol;
p . 618.
5 - A n endowment of $5,000,yielding $300 p e r a n n u m , s c a r c e l y f u l f i l s - now or ever,his enthusiastic p r o p h e c y that it "would m a i n t a i n forever one p u p i l ill the College,free of
all expense"; but it is now a n d was a l w a y s a g r e a t h e l p .
I - An article in the Intelligencer for 8 t h . M o n t h 1 4 , b i t t e r l y complained that Cornell h a d
not a d e q u a t e l y p r o v i d e d tdT "the education of j > u £ d a u g h t e r s t s i d e by side with our sons'"
^
)f life-work should be repaid the scholarships enjoyed in student d a y s .
The stress laid in the a d d r e s s u p o n the v i t a l importance of the college teachar, his training, a b i l i t y and c h a r a c t e r , was characteristic of P r o f e s s o r M a g i l l , but in
idvanee of the a v e r a g e opinion in his t i m e .
A letter to the Intelligencer from West
Jhester, P a ^ . T h a d recently set a high standard for F r i e n d s ' a t t i t u d e towards teachers, in
;he following words:
J f O u x Teachers should be the b e s t a n d m o s t v i r t u o u s men a n d w o m e n
;hat our Society can f u r n i s h , a n d their v o c a t i o n should b e h e l d as the m o s t h o n o r a b l e pursuit a m o n g u s .
We a l l k n o w it is far m o r e important to teach the y o u n g , w h o s e lives a r e
itill before them, a n d w h o s e h a b i t s a r e yet to f o r m , than to p r e a c h to those who are con'irmed in their modes of thought a n d action
A n d , as t e a c h i n g , to b e thoroughly
Lone, demands the exercise of t a l e n t , p e r s e v e r a n c e a n d p a t i e n c e , xn&^k than almost a n y
ither b u s i n e s s , we should offer liberal inducements to those who a r e w i l l i n g to give t h e m .
* O f all p e o p l e , w e F r i e n d s h a v e the least right to m a k e any difficulty over
;his.
We object to a h i r e l i n g m i n i s t r y , a n d w e a r e r i g h t , for the gospel cannot be bought
ir s o l d .
It is a free g i f t .
But human learning c a n . A n d they who labor in the fields of
icholastic l i t e r a t u r e , who toil all d a y , a n d often through the still h o u r s of the night
when others rest, who bear the weight a n d responsibility w h i c h p a r e n t s w i l l throw u p o n
;eachers, who lead p u r e lives a n d w a l k u p r i g h t l y b e f o r e the eyes of innocent little
thildren, deserve the fullest a n d largest recompense w h i c h we can m a k e t h e m .
"^They are entitled to a m p l e m a i n t e n a n c e , sufficient to p r o v i d e comfortably
'or them n o w , and to lay a s i d e for the years 'when the sound of the g r i n d i n g is low;' a n d
is there is no doubt that continuotis m e n t a l labor is e x h a u s t i n g , no teacher should b e
:ompelled by need to toil on a f t e r the v i g o r of life h a s p a s s e d .
w e w e r e to devote to our school-houses a n d teachers one-quarter of the
:um deemed necessary by other societies for the m a i n t e n a n c e of their churches and.clergylen, what a good influence w e m i g h t exercise over a l l in our b o r d e r s ; and h e r e i n we
h o u l d find true e c o n o m y . , . .
• - V o l . -85y f . 2 6 & * a i ( 6 t h . M o n t h 2 7 , 1 8 6 8 ) . " U ^ j U t X u . ^
q ^ ^
/
"(?. "
4*And if we should h e so fortunate a s to m e e t w i t h those who a r e t r u e , cour;eous, faithful and p a t i e n t , whose h a b i t s are s i m p l e , a n d whose h e a r t s a r e in their w o r k ,
it them set their own p r i c e a n d k e e p them at any cost; honor and encourage t h e m , for their
fice is noble; let them feel that they are conferring a b e n e f i t u p o n the community; regnize the full v a l u e of their services to the u t m o s t extent of our m e a n s , a n d we shall
.ve such s c h o o l s , such t e a c h e r s , such c h i l d r e n , a n d such a Society a f t e r a w h i l e as the
rid never yet s a w . *
(lecture on "Unconscious T e a c h i n g a n d T e a c h e r s " , delivered b e f o r e the T e a c h e r s '
4
.stitute of B e r k s C o . , F a . , b y Johni Lundy was a l s o o u b l i s h e d in the Intelligencer for 2 n d .
/*>
nth 2 7 , 1 3 5 9 ,
x
-
and it tried to sustain the thesis that "it is w i t h i n the p r o v i n c e of
1 teachers to form characters of m o r e enduring l o v e l i n e s s than the statues of P h i d i a s
1
P r a x i t i l e s , by b e i n g themselves, in good d e g r e e , w h a t the Great T e a c h e r w a s ; w o r k i n g
.t their ideal of excellence by gentle touches a n d exalted c o n c e p t i o n s , and heroic patn c e , u n i t i r i n g m e e k n e s s a n d h u m i l i t y , in forming the characters of their pupils."
T h e Intelligencer also p u b l i s h e d an editorial notice a n d two chapters of a
cent b o o k entitled "In the S c h o o l - R o o m " , b y J o h n S . H a r t , P r i n c i p a l of the N e w Jersey
n
/1
ate N o r m a l School;
two articles b y E l i z a b e t h S e d g w i c k on "Teaching"; a n d part of the
la
inaugural a d d r e s s of Charles J . S t i l l e , P r o v o s t of the U n i v e r s i t y of Pennsylvania,/
.ese a t t a c k e d the p r o b l e m of t e a c h i n g , stressing respectively the t r a i n i n g or p r a c t i s i n g
the s t i d e n t , teaching the p r o p e r m e t h o d of s t u d y , a n d the enlargement of h i g h e r educaS
on in P h i l a d e l p h i a a n d its v i c i h i t y .
R e f e r r i n g to g i f t ^ of fifteen m i l l i o n dollars
A m e r i c a n colleges w i t h i n the five y e a r s from 1863 to 1 8 6 8 , D r . Stille insisted that a n
ericsn college e d u c a t i o n should b e p r i m a r i l y a training in c i t i z e n s h i p , and therefore
o u l d be m u c h b r o a d e r than the study of G r e e k , l a t i n a n d M a t h e m a t i c s . Extracts w e r e
2-6
-u,
veil also from the inaugural a d d r e s s of J a m e s A . F r o n d e , R e c t o r of S t . A n d r e w s * Univerty, w h i c h a n a l y z e d the educatiohal " r e v o l u t i o n " of 1 3 6 9 , cautioned against a hasty choice
-
y-ol I Sfe, p."~829^
V o l l - 3 5 , £ p . 243 -
-
V u y . §5, ® p .
r-«5,
7
317,332.
507.
'
_ . 113, 129.
'
~~
j 1lf>
the intellectual or professional life as against manual labor, and advocated a
>ader, more liberal education than the fathers had received.
The method of teaching we.s being closely scrutinized at the time, as is
dent from a long series of articles in the Intelligencer,in 1868 - 4ft69,
ching" and the methods of Froebel and Pestalozzi.
on "Object .
The stress which Professor Magill
d in his address on the teaching of thihgs, as well as of words and books, is a rection of much of this educational thinking.
As a Friend, he took coeducation as a
ter of course and did not regard it as "a question", even in the upper classes of the
h school, the college, or the professional school.
To re-enforce among Friends the
al of higher education for women, the Intelligencer noted from time to time, preceding
5-2
rthmore's opening, the progress made in the higher education of girls in Paris,
%.%
3^4
25
ord, and Cambridge, and the entrance of women into political office,
the principalship
high school^® the operation of telegraphs^ and the medi<£a? and dental professions^
death of Matthew Vassar, too, on June 23, 1868, was made another opportunity for exling the need of a college education for women and the generosity which provided for
3LO
'
a half-million dollars and a farm of 200 acres.
Taking up the subject of "discipline" in his address, Professor M&gill insisted
the necessity of inculcating self-control as against external restraint and punishment,
foreshadowed the system of student-government which was long afterwards introduced,
desirability of teaching"religion" had been much stressed in recent months,
and had
nd expression among Friends in the rise of numerous First-day Schools; but in the Friends'
ools, there had never been a sectarian or denominational teaching, or any proselyting
og their many non-Quaker pupils.
The new Friends' college continued this policy and
WotiS&.fcp.96,433,440,449,465,481;Vol..206,216,235,253,263,
265.
ated
always to the primacy and supremacy of the Light Within.
The
ancient (Quaker
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injunction,"Hind, the Light", had recently received much emphasis in the Intelligencer,
9-s in the spoken word among Friends.
Its spirit was adopted from the/tisw in the dis-
cipline of the new school and college, and its words became, T 0 ^^/J4
college motto.
"
years later, the
(
Professor Magill in his address emphasized self-control on the part
of the instructors as the first essential for successfully disciplining the pupils
at the same time he insisted on the independence and freedom of the faculty, when acting
within their proper sphere, from managerial control.
TMrt^^r
a
Pu.yi
There were from the first, however, two prohibitions on the life of both
students and teachers at the college which struggled vainly for survival during many ensuing >pars.
These were the bans laid on the use of tobacco and of musical instruments.
The question of the use of tobacco had been asked for many years (as it is still) by
the "Queries" in all the meetings of Friends; and it had been recently raised by contributors to the Intelligencer.
One of these sent for publication a vigorous denuncia-
tion of "the weed", from both the physical or nervous and the moral point of view, which
sV-
had been written by the distinguished Philadelphia physician,
Benjamin Hush.
Henry
Ward Beecher's objection to it on the ground of refinement had also been publishe^f^"
as had been the discussion by the Ohio Methodist Conference of a proposal to bar candidates for the ministry because of its use.
Dr. Magill in his Autobiography gives us
the following glimpse of the first faculty's discussion of the question:Tftln our preliminary faculty meetings during this year, one of the subjects which caused much discussion
was the decision to be made on the use of tobacco by the students.
Although at first the
members of our little faculty of six (only five of whom constituted the faculty proper
in the beginning ) were not all of one mind about the advisability of prohibiting its use,
we came in the end to the unanimous agreement that we must take a decided stand on the
/ v w i,
J3 3- Cf. the Intelligencer for^L^*^ %.
. - Vol.\-3&/ p. 292; Vol .-861^. 728
A
subject."
The
"decided
stand"
was
an
absolute
prohibition; and during a quarter-century,
5 - Vol. 26,
172.
if 4 - /Tol.-€6, f. 504.
J
3 S S "
5 - Vol. 22K
-36. P. 655.
J
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^
'.yMagill and Ms successors in the presidency strove earnestly, but with only raodere success to enforce the rule of 1869; finally, a few years before Dr. Magill's book
,s written, the rule was abrogated for the young men, and in 1930 for the women students
so. Whether it was Edward Parrish, Edward Magill or Clement Smith who prevented unahijasity on the subject at first, our chronicler does not say; it surely could not Jiave,
sen, in those days, either of the two women members of the facultyl __
Milfeical instruments, too, which had caused so much anxiety among Friends,
ire prohibited at first; and it was not until about twenty years later that a piano was
srmitted to be set up in any college building, even in the domestic quarters of musical^
istruxstors for social or religious purpose
'^Aof^y^
) J tLl
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Jb.
-y^^tfXr
/
The prohibition of tobacco\mia music was in line with the organic standard of
sOLX ' W '
A ^ r w J .
;
ie Society\ and should have helped to commend the college to, Philadelphia Yearly Meeting^,
iring the sessions of^thio bodyy on 5th. Month, 11, 1869, "a meeting on the subject of
Lucation, more particularly relating to the establishment of a first-class institution of
;arning under the care of Friends", was held in the Race Street Meeting-House.^p In
»
iltimore, also, a "Meeting of Friends to promote subscriptions to Swarthmore College was
jld in the Lombard Street Meeting-house, on 6th. Month 10, 1869.
On this latter occa-
Ion, John R. Kenly read "an essay" which made the following appealtTiOl am in hearty symithy with the objects of this meeting, and wish that I could do more than give my coun»nance to their support.
It appears to me that the Society of Friends "owes to the mem-
ry of its founders, that the people of this country should be better informed as ;to its
rinciples and Church government.
The ignorance in these matters surpasses belief,
ccept to one who has travelled much in the various States of our Union.
Outside of the
ery limited area of the Society and its direct influences, the word 'Quaker' carries with
t the oft-told story of a visit to New Lebanon and the peculiar ceremonies performed by
ie community there.
You may bring an intelligent citizen of this community, a member of
- Cf. supra, P£ • >f"0)
.
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- Friends' Intfelllgencer. Vol. "Sft. jj> 153.
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- I W d . ^ i r i j ^ ^ . 259 - 60.
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n o t h e r c h u r c h , into the m e e t i n g w h i c h a s s e m b l e s in this h o u s e , a n d y o u w i l l see a smile
pread o v e r his f a c e , w h i c h n o t h i n g b u t a p r o p e r sense of decorum k e e p s w i t h i n l i m i t s , a t
h e silence w h i c h surrounds him a n d the m o d e of w o r s h i p , w h i c h h e does not u n d e r s t a n d a n d
annot c o m p r e h e n d .
If there b e p r e a c h i n g ,
y o u w i l l p e r c e i v e a m a r k e d change in h i s
emeanor; h e is a l l a t t e n t i o n , l i s t e n i n g to every w o r d that falls from the m i n i s t e r ' s
ips, a n d the light of truth m a y a n d o f t e n w i l l f i n d a lodgment in his b r e a s t .
may
ever a g a i n enter a F r i e n d s ' m e e t i n g - h o u s e , but h e w i l l never again laugh derisively w h e n
e hears this Society spoken o f .
•^Build u p Swarthmore C o l l e g e , a n d it w i l l p r e a c h a sermon that the nation w i l l
isten to; it w i l l remove m u c h of the ignorance n o w e x i s t i n g , a n d w i n the favorable conideration of thoughtful m e n e v e r y w h e r e , p r o v i d e d that F r i e n d s be true to their p r i n c i p l e s ,
o better w a y of k e e p i n g them true can b e d e v i s e d , than b y the establishment of such a n
ducational institution, a n d b r i n g i n g w i t h i n the compass of its w a l l s the literature of
riends, w h i c h any church m i g h t w e l l cherish anj^ e s t e e m , calculated a s it is to b e a u t i f y
n d illustrate the p a t h s of l e a r n i n g a n d of science b y the Christian light of its p a g e s ,
s the p l a n t instinctively reaches toward m a t e r i a l light to strengthen and develop its
r o w t h , so does the h u m a n m i n d , a s it a d v a n c e s in k n o w l e d g e , y e a r n for that spiritual light
o the s o u l , w h i c h , if we have faith in w h a t w e p r o f e s s ^ m a y b e n o u r i s h e d a n d expanded b y
he writings and lives of those F r i e n d s w h o s e m i n i s t r y u p o n earth w a s , to f o l l o w the
ight.
L e t there b e this p a b u l u m in the libraries of S w a r t h m o r e , a n d a s surely a s the
pdration of p h y s i c a l laws w i l l b e the m o r a l g r o w t h of its i n m a t e s .
•^The day of the inauguration of this institution w i l l a l s o be one of m a r k e d
mportance in the a n n a l s of the S o c i e t y , f o r the a t t e n t i o n of the intelligent classes o f
he w h o l e country w i l l be drawn w i t h friendly interest to the s u b j e c t .
W h a t a n d who a r e
hese p e o p l e that h a v e th^s established a college scarcely second to a n y in the land in
he w i d t h a n d scope of its instruction?
L o o k - it is w i t h i n the b o r d e r s of a common-
ealth founded by
one of the same p e o p l e .
W h o a r e they?
T h e s e a n d similar inquiries
ay lead the inquirer to learn who G e o r g e F o x w a s , a n d p e r h a p s to re^d his l i f e . A h ,
t w i l l b e a g o o d thing for this country w h e n its citizens learn the testimony h e b o r e f o r
ruth and c o n s c i e n c e ' s a k e .
i n
^ I t needs but e n l i g h t e n m e n t , it n e e d s h u t i n f o r m a t i o n , f o r civilization to
ow how m u c h it is indebted to the h u m b l e Society df F r i e n d s ; a n d w e trust a n d doubt not
t that Swarthmore C o l l e g e , in extending the a r e a , w i l l never l e s s e n the w e i g h t of the
ecious testimonies b o r n e of the p e o p l e called Q u a k e r s . H
It w a s doubtless theTfinlncial result of such conferences a n d appeals as
ese that enabled the B o a r d at its m e e t i n g on 6 t h . M o n t h 1 8 , 1 8 6 9 , to decide to open the
liege for students four m o n t h s l a t e r .
In a c c o r d a n c e w i t h its i n s t r u c t i o n s , the P r e s -
ent inserted the following advertisement in the I n t e l l i g e n c e r f o r 7 t h . M o n t h
warthmore C o l l e g e .
1869r
The B o a r d of M a n a g e r s of this I n s t i t u t i o n ^ h a v e d e t e r m i n e d to open
for the reception of p u p i l s on the 21st day of T e n t h m o n t h n e x t .
A p p l i c a t i o n s for ad-
ssion of p u p i l s m u s t b e a d d r e s s e d to the u n d e r s i g n e d , p e r s o n a l l y or b y l e t t e r , stating
11 n a m e , a g e a n d a d d r e s s of a p p l i c a n t , n a m e of p a r e n t or g u a r d i a n , a n d w h e t h e r said
plicant, p a r e n t or guardian is a stockholder in the C o l l e g e .
T h e l i s t will b e opened
r entering names on the 1 2 t h day of Seventh m o n t h ^ a n d closed on the 2 d day of E i g h t h
nth, a n d no naanes w i l l b e received before the first of these d a t e s .
A n a n n o u n c e m e n t of
rrns a n d other n e c e s s a r y information will b e issued a n d m a i l e d to the stockholders on
before the 1st of S e v e n t h m o n t h n e x t .
Edward Parrish, President,
r;
J
»
800 Arch Street, P h i l a d a . ^ l ^ * ^
Two w e e k s l a t e r , there a p p e a r e d in the Intelligencer , the f o l l o w i n g notice:
nrarthmore C o l l e g e .
T h e M a n a g e r s h a v i n g concluded to ot>en this I n s t i t u t i o n on the 2 1 s t .
Tenth M o n t h , 1 8 6 9 , h a v e issued the following P r o s p e c t u s : '
allege, P e n n s y l v a n i a ^ f o r its First School Y e a r , 1869-70."
P r o s p e c t u s of Swarthmore
Here f o l l o w s a list of the
ficers a n d m a n a g e r s ; a n d then the p r o s p e c t u s c o n t i n u e d : ffNote to S u b s c r i b e r s .
The u r g e n t
sessities of the B u i l d i n g C o m m i t t e e , now compelled to complete the w o r k entrusted to fchem
8
7ol.\-S6,
. 281.
g c v ^ q .
• • V ^ P P''
•
p
p
.
3
1
3
^
t
f
.
rr-36-, pp.
» / T h i s -flferosuectug* was also issued in the f o r m of a n identic p a m p h l e t of 8 pages*
/ w i t h a p i c t u r e of the b u i l d i n g a s f r o n t i s p i e c e ; p r i n t e d b y M e r r i h e w & S o n , p r i n t e r s
243 A r c h S t r e e t , P h i l a d e l p h i a , 1 8 6 9 .
'
398 -
{
T h e foilov;in, letter is evidence of the detailed correspondence in h i s own
h a n d w i t h which D r . Parrish w a s o b l i g e d to follow u p h i s printed advertisement:
Philadelphia
7 no 3 . 6 9
** Seth L u k e n s
j
Kulpsville
j
^
Est. Pr.
i
\
In order to secure the a d m i s s i o n of thy daughter at S w a r t h m o r e ,
\ thee should write m e a g a i n b e f o r e the 12" i n s t , stating h e r full n a m e , a g e , nearest
1
! b i r t h d a y , thy own n a m e and w h e t h e r thee is a S t o c k h o l d e r p a i d u p , or n o t .
j
We do not enter a n y a p p l i c a n t s b e f o r e the 12" a n d there is a .Strong
i p r o b a b i l i t y that the list will b e m a d e u p b y the fivening of that day
j
f
thy friend
i
j
EDWARD PARRISH .
*
Prospectus.
T h i s letter w a s followed b y a n o t i c e , p a r t l y p r i n t e d a n d p a r t l y filled in
by D r . P a r r i s h , which reads:
j
^ T e m p o r a r y Office of S w a r t h m o r e C o l l e g e ,
800 A r c h S t . , P h i l a d e l p h i a .
;
P h i l a d e l p h i a , 7 M o . 13 1869
To
Seth Lukens
Kulpsville P a
ithL
j
This is to inform thee that thy a p p l i c a t i o n for the a d m i s s i o n of M a r y L u k e n s
| as a pupil in the College h a s b e e n duly received a n d entered on the l i s t .
?
B e i n g the 14" in order u p o n the list of girls it is w i t h i n the limit as p r e -
I viously fixed by the B o a r d of M a n a g e r s , and she is t h e r e f o r e a d m i t t e d a s a p u p i l .
j
VA-vw^ao. . A U A M [ijJf-t^.
(^Ua.,
/
Q
EDWARD P A R I S H *
i ' C L m v l
i$
'-v
^
3 7 ?
of the H o u s e h o l d C o m m i t t e e , already engaged in the selection of f u r n i t u r e ; a n d of the
Instruction C o m m i t t e e , to whom h a s b e e n entrusted the p r o c u r i n g of the n e c e s s a r y
apparatus for instruction —
highly i m p o r t a n t .
m a k e the p r o m p t collection of outstanding
subscriptions
Some of these a r e of long s t a n d i n g , p a y m e n t h a v i n g b e e n delayed
till the m o n e y should b e needed; others a r e m o r e recent; p a y m e n t of a l l is d e s i r e d
before the first of 9th m o n t h .
The Receivers are —
Samuel W i l l e t s , 303 P e a r l S t . , New
York; C l e m . M . B i d d l e , 509 Commerce S t . , P h i l a d a ; G e r a r d H . R e e s e , P r a t t Street,Baltimore.
SWARTHMORE
COLLEGE
"*tThis Institution is c h a r t e r e d by the State of P e n n s y l v a n i a , w i t h a l l the
rights a n d p r i v i l e g e s g r a n t e d to similar corporations in the U n i t e d S t a t e s .
A m p l e Col-
lege b u i l d i n g s h a v i n g b e e n erected b y c o n t r i b u t i o n s , chiefly from m e m b e r s of the Society
of F r i e n d s , they are now about to b e completed a n d o p e n e d for the r e c e p t i o n of p u p i l s .
^ T h e location of the College is in Delaware C o . , P a . , directly on the P h i l adelphia a n d W e s t Chester R a i l r o a d , ten m i l e s from the depot at 31st a n d Chestnut S t r e e t ^
P h i l a d e l p h i a ; it is also a p p r o a c h e d by the Chester a n d Springfield r o a d , w h i c h intersects the e x t e n s i o n of the D e l a w a r e County T u r n p i k e w i t h i n h a l f a m i l e n o r t h of the p r e m ises.
g r o u n d s , w h i c h include a b o u t 91 a c r e s , a r e b o u n d e d on the w e s t b y Crum C r e e k ,
from w h i c h , a n d from sprihgs a r i s i n g on the p r e m i s e s , a n a m p l e supply of w a t e r will b e
furnished to the b u i l d i n g s .
It is b e l i e v e d that no m o r e h e a l t h y neighborhood is to b e
found; the site is elevated a n d the p r o s p e c t extensive a n d d i v e r s i f i e d .
% o
expense h a s b e e n snared in a d a p t i n g the College edifice to its p u r p o s e s ;
t
it is b u i l ^ of stone w i t h inside w a l l s of b r i c k , p r o v i d e d w i t h numerous flues for w a r m
air a n d v e n t i l a t i o n .
B e s i d e s the n e c e s s a r y c o l l e c t i n g a n d school r o o m s , it contains a
L i b r a r y , M u s e u m a n d Chemical L a b o r a t o r y , a d a p t i n g it to the p u r p o s e s of a d v a n c e d education, a n d p a r l o r s , dining r o o m s , k i t c h e n , d o r m i t o r i e s , b a t h r o o m s , a n d every convenience
for the comfort a n d h e a l t h of a l a r g e number of resident p u p i l s .
B e s i d e s every p r e c a u t i o n
to prevent fire a n d extinguish i t , if it should a c c i d e n t a l l y o r i g i n a t e , fire-proof a l c o v e s
divide the structure into three distinct p a r t s , a n d in a d d i t i o n to four substantial w o o d e n
stairways, there are two flights of iron stairs communicatitag w i t h each f l o o r .
isev
* T h e "building is constructed a n d the grounds are to h e laid out w i t h reference to the proper separation of the sexes, of each of which a n equal number w i l l be admitted, but they will recite in the same classes, dine at the same tables, and m i n g l e ,
under suitable supervision, in healthful recreation a n d social intercourse.
L E G A L I Z A T I O N A N D S T U D I E S . - At the date of this announcement some vacancies
remain in the corps of Professors and T e a c h e r s , w h i c h it is the intention of the Board 6f
Managers to fill at their next m e e t i n g .
•^President, Edward P a r r i s h .
<
A t present the Officers are as follows:
M a t r o n . Helen G . L o n g s t r e t h .
*Professor of E t h i c s . Chemistry and the physical Sciences. Edward P a r r i s h .
P r o f e s s o r of Languages a n d P r i n c i p a l of the Preparatory D e p a r t m e n t . Edward
H. Magill, A . M .
P r o f e s s o r of R h e t o r i c . Literature and H i s t o r y . A n n a H a l l o w e l l .
R e s i d e n t T e a c h e r s , Emily Hallowell a n d Susan J . C u n n i n g h a m .
^ I n addition to the resident Professors a n d Teachers, a corps of auxiliary
Teachers and Lecturers will visit the Institution at intervals, and participate in the
labors of instruction.
^he
Institution will b e divided into two departments, the Preparatory School
and the College, of which the former is adapted to prepare pupils for the l a t t e r .
"^The entire course of Instructioh includes seven y e a r s , of which three are cotaprehended in the P r e p a r a t o r y , and four in the Collegiate c o u r s e .
P u p i l s will be taken for
a single terra, but cannot advantageously pursue the course of study for less than one y e a r .
Those taking only the Preparatory course w i l l receive a n ordinary common school education,
with an elementary knowledge of the Latin a n d French languages, of Chemistry a n d of one or
more of the Natural Sciences.
T h o s e graduating in the College must have read the leading
Latin a u t h o r s , perfected themselves in French a n d in either the G r e e k or German language,
as they
m a y elect, and be proficient in the higher M a t h e m a t i c s , the methods of Physical
and Natural Science, R h e t o r i c , L i t e r a t u r e , History a n d E t h i c s .
f i t is the intention, at the opening, to classify all the p u p i l s who may enter
onn
H-'o
/
into four c l a s s e s , the m o s t a d v a n c e d of w h i c h w i l l constitute a F r e s h m a n class in the
College, a n d the r e m a i n d e r , the three classes in the P r e p a r a t o r y S c h o o l , a r r a n g e d according to their advancement in the l e a d i n g studies p u r s u e d .
the p u p i l s w i l l b e equally u n d e r the care of the P r o f e s s o r s of the
College, a l t h o u g h the details of instruction in the P r e p a r a t o r y d e p a r t m e n t w i l l b e ehiefly
under the direction of P r o f . M a g i l l .
^ T h e discipline w i l l b e m i l d , though firm; the inculcation of h i g h a n d honorable m o t i v e s among the p u p i l s a n d the m a i n t e n a n c e of m u t u a l confidence a n d a c c o r d b e t w e e n
them and their teachers w i l l b e chiefly r e l i e d u p o n for the p r o m o t i o n of g o o d order a n d
their m o r a l a n d educational d e v e l o p m e n t .
A l t h o u g h no form of dress w i l l b e prescribed f o r p u p i l s , u n n e c e s s a r y trimmings
and showy or expensive jewelry w i l l b e p r o h i b i t e d ; a n d p a r e n t s
a r e earnestl^Lesired to
aid the M a t r o n a n d F a c u l t y in controlling the p r e s e n t g r o w i n g tendency to extravagance
and display in d r e s s .
^ T h e care of the family w i l l m a i n l y devolve u p o n the P r e s i d e n t a n d M a t r o n , who
will counsel a n d a d v i s e w i t h those of the p u p i l s w h o m a y n e e d i t , a n d direct a n d regulate
?
| their intercourse w i t h each o t h e r .
A s s i s t e d b y the teachers a n d p r o f e s s o r s , a n d by sev-
eral other m e m b e r s of the Society of F r i e n d s , w h o will occupy u s e f u l p o s i t i o n s in the household, i t is b e l i e v e d they w i l l b e enabled to secure to Swarthmore superior social advant a g e s , u n d e r influences favorable to religious g r o w t h a n d i m p r o v e m e n t .
|
-^Admission of Pttpils. —
In order to secure to a l l Stockholders equal p r i v i I\
jleges in the a d m i s s i o n of p u p i l s , it h a s b e e n determined not to f i x a n y standard of qualI}
Jifications a t the o p e n i n g , b u t to a d m i t a l l over twelve y e a r s of a g e w h o a p p l y , u n t i l the
i
!
s
j necessary limit is r e a c h e d , g i v i n g the p r e f e r e n c e to the children a n d w a r d s of S t o c k h o l d e r s ,
i
i
jand if the numbeiof these a p p l y i n g w i t h i n the time fixed does not r e a c h the l i m i t , then
| the children of m e m b e r s of the Society of F r i e n d s w i l l h a v e the p r e f e r e n c e o v e r o t h e r s .
jThe burnber of p u p i l s to b e a d m i t t e d a t the o p e n i n g is seventy-five of each s e x .
•^ifche books for e n t e r i n g the n a m e s of applicants w i l l b e o p e n e d on the
twelfth
S G t r ij-o '2—'
day of S e v e n t h m o n t h , a n d closed on the s e c o n d day of E i g h t h m o n t h , 1 8 5 9 .
Applicants
must apply in p e r s o n or h y letter to E d w a r d P a r r i s h , P r e s i d e n t , 800 A r c h S t r e e t , Philadelphia, a n d m u s t state full n a m e , a g e a n d address of a p p l i c a n t , n a m e of p a r e n t or
guardian, a n d w h e t h e r said a p p l i c a n t , p a r e n t or g u a r d i a n is a S t o c k h o l d e r in the C o l l e g e .
^ o n e w i l l h e considered a s S t o c k h o l d e r s who have, not a c t u a l l y p a i d for a t
least one share of s t o c k .
T h e p r i v i l e g e of Stockholders extends only to their own
|children, a n d those legally or a c t u a l l y -under their g u a r d i a n s h i p . A s the number of a p p l i i
!cants is e x p e c t e d to be m u c h g r e a t e r than the n u m b e r of students to b e r e c e i v e d , to pre-
|
ivent disappointment every S t o c k h o l d e r should p r e s e n t h i s request s p e c i f i c a l l y a n d w i t h o u t
I any u n n e c e s s a r y d e l a y .
|
^ T i m e of O p e n i n g . & c . —
The u s u a l school y e a r w i l l b e u n a d v o i d a b l y shortfl
j ened b y the delay necessary to allow of the c o m p l e t i o n of the b u i l d i n g s . T h e day fixed
ii
I for opening f o r the reception of p u p i l s is F i f t h ^ d a y , the 21st of T e n t h m o n t h , 1869..
^ T h e first term w i l l consist of 14 w e e k s , a n d w i l l b e f o l l o w e d , a f t e r a n intermission of a few d a y s , by a second term of 2 0 w e e k s , b e g i n n i n g about the first of
Second irfonth, 1 8 7 0 .
T h e r e w i l l b e a v a c a t i o n of one w e e k during the Y e a r l y M e e t i n g in
the F i f t h M o n t h .
£ T h e p r i c e of B o a r d a n d T u i t i o n , including w a s h i n g , the u s e of b o o k s a n d a l l
necessary e x p e n s e s , is f i x e d at $125 for the f i r s t t e r m , a n d $175 f o r the second t e r m ,
oj $300 for the 34 w e e k s .
E a c h term p a y a b l e in a d v a n c e ,
In fixing the same moderate
price for p u p i l s of all a g e s , a n d m a k i n g no extra charges f o r the h i g h e r b r a n c h e s , the
B o a r d of M a n a g e r s h a v e h a d in view the u l t i m a t e object of raising the s t a n d a r d of educa^I tion at S w a r t h m o r e , a n d h o l d i n g out inducements to those w h o m a y b e c o m e its p u p i l s , to
« avail themselves of its full C o l l e g i a t e course.*
5.
T h e a c t i v e efforts of v a r i e d k i n d s m a d e in the summer of 1869 to a s s u r e the
opening of the college d u r i n g the ensuing a u t u m n caused the eager interest of Friends to
b e concentrated u p o n i t .
caution were also s t r u c k .
A m o n g the m a n y notes of c o n g r a t u l a t i o n , some of a n x i e t y a n d
F o r e x a m p l e , a c o r r e s p o n d e n t of the Intelligencer.Elkana W o o d ,
86&r
L jj ^
wrote to it the followin^ao*£j^ ^ M a k i n g the h i g h p r o f e s s i o n the S o c i e t y of Friedds does
of b e i n g l e d a n d guided b y the
14
Spirit of T r u t h " , I f e e l a concern v e r y impressively o n
m y m i n d that care m a y b e exercised b y u s at this time of great p r e p a r a t i o n for giving the
youth of Friends a n extended school education, lest a d e p e n d e n c e be p l a c e d on it to
qualify for religious services, a n d a p r e f e r e n c e b e g i v e n to those w h o s e parents h a v e it
iin their p o w e r to educate their offspring h i g h l y , to the neglect of those w h o s e limited
; circumstances will not allow it.--{
* A s I dare not do otherwise than faithfully g i v e this c a u t i o n , I h o p e it m a y be
accepted b y m y f r i e n d s , w h o s e p r o s p e r i t y in every sense I sincerely d e s i r e . ^
This caution brought forth from a n o t h e r " c o n c e r n e d Friend" the f o l l o w i n g re-
H
sponse:
"I feel a strong desire that the i n c r e a s e d efforts w h i c h a r e b e i n g m a d e in our
Society for the right training of our children m a y b e b l e s s e d . . . . .
It is indeed won-
derful that b e c a u s e our early F r i e n d s bore their testimony against the necessity of a
liberal education to qualify for gospel m i n i s t r y , that a n y should n o w conclude that liberal culture is d a n g e r o u s , a n d liable to lead the m i n d s o f our y o u n g Friends a w a y from the
simple f a i t h of Q
u
a
k
e
r
i
s
m
.
.
c
, j n
T h e a d j o u r n e d m e e t i n g of the B o a r d o n 8 t h . M o n t h 5 , 1 8 6 9 , w a s h e l d in R a c e
Street M e e t i n g - h o u s e , with sixteen membe rs p r e s e n t s R e s p i t e the s u m m e r ' s j h e a t , the w o r k o f
p r e p a r a t i o n h a d to b e p u s h e d o n .
T h e P r e s i d e n t r e p o r t e d that the subscriptions a n d dona-
tions h a d r e a c h e d , since the p r e c e d i n g m e e t i n g in J u n e , $2,500 "mostly p a i d in."
He also
reported that "65 girls & 59 b o y s , i n a l l 124" h a d been a d m i t t e d a s p u p i l s , a n d that " a
number of o t h e r a p p l i c a t i o n s w e r e still b e i n g h e l d u n d e r advisement."
T h i s h u m b e r evi-
dently r e f e r r e d to resident pupils only; for a n o t h e r m i n u t e of this m e e t i n g records "the
subject of receiving Day Scholars into the School b e i n g i n t r o d u c e d , w a s , a f t e r m u c h discussion p o s t p o n e d for further consideration a t the next meeting."
*®The p r o s p e c t u s issued in 7 t h . M o n t h n a m e d only five m e m b e r s of the corps of
instruction a n d the m a t r o n .
% - Vol.
B . 324.
£ - V o l . gfc, "B. 344
A t this m e e t i n g , the B o a r d a p p o i n t e d Clement L . Smith as
a
resident p r o f e s s o r , a n d then p r o c e e d e d to enlarge the s t a f f , as p r o m i s e d in the p r o s p e c t u s ,
n o t exceeding t h r e e , 'pupil t e a c h e r s ' , "to reside in the C o l l e g e , w i t h o u t s a l a r i e s , g i v i n g
their services as teachers in the p r e p a r a t o r y department b y w a y of compensation for instruction in the h i g h e r b r a n c h e s .
* T h e P r e s i d e n t is also a u t h o r i z e d , w i t h the a p p r o v a l of the Instruction Comm i t t e e , to a p p o i n t a resident teacher of F r e n c h a t , not exceeding $500 a year & n o n resident teachers of D r a w i n g & P e n m a n s h i p . ^
T h e H o u s e h o l d Committee a l s o a d d e d to the staff the f o l l o w i n g "suitable assistants in t h e regulation of the Household" , namely:
• ^ M a r t h a L e e , as H o u s e k e e p e r , w h o s e duties shall embrace the care of K i t c h e n ,
Dining room & a l l connected t h e r e w i t h , at a salary of $ 5 0 0 .
^ E l i z a b e t h 0 . M a c y , who w i l l h a v e the care of the G i r l s ' D o r m i t o r i e s , N u r s e r ^ ,
and. L a u n d r y , a t a salary of $ 2 5 0 .
J^Anna L . K n i g h t , who w i l l h a v e the care of the B o y S ' D o r m i t o r i e s , at a salary
of $ 1 5 0 .
/"Hetty S a u n d e r s , who w i l l receive the Guests a n d h a v e the care of the R o o m s
3
on the first f l o o r , a t a salary of $150. *'
t h e s e four a p p o i n t m e n t s to the h o u s e h o l d staff w e r e duly a p p r o v e d , a n d the
President w a s "directed to enter into a w r i t t e n a g r e e m e n t w i t h each of them accordingly."
It was also "agreed that the salaries of the p r o f e s s o r s & teachers a n d a l l officers emp l o y e d by the y e a r , shall be p a i d m o n t h l y , the salaries commencing on the first of T e n t h
Month next."
T h e Finance Committee in conjunction w i t h the T r e a s u r e r a n d Receiver*
were
"directed to r e p o r t , at o u r next m e e t i n g , a p l a n for the p a y m e n t of salaries a n d all o t h e r
expenses of the school"; they were also "authorized to contract for the supply of c o a l ,
for the e n s u i n g y e a r , w h e n e v e r they m a y f i n d it expedient."
T h e salary of the M a t r o n ,
whose duties h a d b e e n considerably reduced b y subsequent a p p o i n t m e n t s to the h o u s e h o l d
staff, a n d who h a d not yet received a n y salary since h e r a p p o i n t m e n t m o r e than two y e a r s
Q -
This w a s apparently the " R e c e i v e r for P h i l a d e l p h i a , " Clement M . B i d d l e .
6
b e f o r e , w a s d i s c u s s e d a n d r e f e r r e d to a committee of f o u r (Anna M . H o p p e r , G e r a r d H .
Reese, Martha G . Mcllvain and Elizabeth B . Smith).
T h e H o u s e h o l d Committee also r e p o r t e d p r o g r e s s in the p u r c h a s e of f u r n i t u r e
for the v a r i o u s p a r t s of tlje b u i l d i n g ; a n d the C h a i r m a n of the B u i l d i n g C o m m i t t e e , H u g h
M c l l v a i n , p r e s e n t e d ^ , satisfactory report of the p r o g r e s s of the b u i l d i n g t o w a r d comp l e t i o n , a n d of the p r o p o s e d introduction of Steam H e a t i n g A p p a r a t u s & suitable Sas
Works.
He informed that contracts h a v e b e e n entered into for the p l u m b i n g a n d f o r the
erection of stone p o r c h e s on the front a n d of Granite S t e p s a t the other entrances to the
building.
A l s o , that the L a u n d r y b u i l d i n g is in p r o c e s s of e r e c t i o n , w i t h suitable base-
m e n t a c c o m m o d a t i o n s for the steam b o i l e r s & for the storage of f u e l .
E x p r e s s i o n s of satisfaction & of a p p r e c i a t i o n of the a r d u o u s services of the
4
; B u i l d i n g Committee w e r e m a d e by m e m b e r s present. *'
T h e m i n u t e s of this m e e t i n g of the B o a r d w e r e the last signed b y E d w a r d P a r rish as C l e r k , Clement M . B i d d l e b e i n g a p p o i n t e d i n h i s s t e a d .
T h e first m i n u t e s signed
by E d w a r d P a r r i s h as " C l e r k protempore" w e r e those of 3 r d . M o n t h 1 , 1864; a n d a l l m i n u t e s during the subsequent five y e a r s b e a r his signature as C l e r k .
A t the next m e e t i n g of the B o a r d , h e l d in R a c e Street M e e t i n g - h o u s e on 9 t h .
Month 7 , 1 8 6 9 , w i t h twenty-four m e m b e r s p r e s e n t , the v a r i o u s m a t t e r s left over from the
p r e c e d i n g m o n t h w e r e taken u p for s e t t l e m e n t .
T h e C o m m i t t e e o n the salary of the M a t r o n
reported:
^ T h a t in view of the responsibilities w h i c h w i l l a t t a c h to the office of M a t r o n
of the C o l l e g e , or h e a d of the h o u s e h o l d ,
the individual who is to take the m o t h e r * s
M a c e , in the care of those intrusted to h e r g u a r d i a n s h i p a n d influence; w e t h i n k the
Board ought to a c k n o w l e d g e the importance of the s t a t i o n , a n d the eminent qualifications of
the individual who has w i t h such u n a n i m i t y b e e n s e l e c t e d to fill it; b y v o t i n g a salary
commensurate w i t h its dignity a n d i m p o r t a n c e .
$1500 p e r a n n u m o r its e q u i v a l e n t .
5
Smith M a r t h a G . Mcllvain.- *"
We t h e r e f o r e think it should b e fixed at
Signed Gerard H . Reese, Anna M . Hopper Elisabeth B .
304
. rjb-
Lf-0 lo
T h e B o a r d ' s m i n u t e s continue: ^ T h e a b o v e report claimed the careful consideration of the b o a r d a n d w h i l e there was a u n a n i m o u s e x p r e s s i o n of a p p r e c i a t i o n of the services & w o r t h of our friend H e l e n G . L o n g s t r e t h , it w a s thought b e s t to f i x the salary
of m a t r o n at ($1200) twelve h u n d r e d d o l l a r s p r . a n n u m c o m m e n c i n g 1 0 M o . 1st 1 8 6 9 .
* T h e committee to p r o p o s e a p l a n for the p a y m e n t of salaries a n d a l l other
expenses of the s c h o o l , recommended that the entire control o f , a n d responsibility f o r ,
the financial management of the college should b e v e s t e d in a committee of f i v e , to b e
called the Committee on Finance a n d E c o n o m y .
T h a t a l l m o n e y received from p u p i l s b e p a i d
into the h a n d s of the Treasurer subject to their o r d e r , a n d it is not to b e p a i d o u t ,
except onN^S»» order signed by at least two m e m b e r s of said c o m m i t t e e , but they h a v e no
a u t h o r i t y to draw for m o n e y r e c e i v e d in a n y other w a y , -unless a n a p p r o p r i a t i o n is m a d e b y
the b o a r d for that p u r p o s e .
salary n o t e x c e e d i n g
That the committee b e a u t h o r i z e d to employ a c l e r k , at a
p r . a n n u m , who shall reside a t the c o l l e g e , a n d
u n d e r their d i r e c t i o n have charge of the b o o k - k e e p i n g , all p u r c h a s i n g , a n d settling of
accounts.
A l l purchases a r e to b e m a d e , p a y a b l e on the 1 0 t h . of the following m o n t h , a n d
the clerk is to p r e s e n t on the 6 t h . of each m o n t h , to the c o m m i t t e e , a statement of such
purchases (accompanied by the b i l l s ) g i v i n g in detail the amounts due for each of the
following items: m e a t , m i l k & b u t t e r , g r o c e r i e s , p r o v i s i o n s , s a l a r i e s , w a g e s , f u e l , l i g h t ,
books & s t a t i o n e r y , farm a/cj l i b r a r y & a p p a r a t u s , repair of buildings,care of g r o u n d s ,
f u r n i t u r e , i n s u r a n c e , interest & incidental e x p e n s e s , a n d if same b e a p p r o v e d the committee will draw o n the T r e a s u r e r for the amount.*"
T h e s e recommendations w e r e a p p r o v e d ^ a n d a n o m i n a t i n g committee p r o p o s e d ^ a s
the Committee on Finance a n d E c o n o m y ^ W i l l i a m D o r s e y , E d w a r d H o o p e s , J o h n D . H i c k s , H u g h
Mcllvain a n d J o s e p h P o w e l l .
T h e y w e r e " a c c o r d i n g l y a p p o i n t e d , a n d a u t h o r i z e d to f i x
»
the salary of the c l e r k .
T h e p r e s i d e n t reported a t this m e e t i n g the appointment of Clement L . S m i t h as
resident p r o f d s s o r , at a salary of $ 1 , 0 0 0 p e r a n n u m , a n d of "two p u p i l teachers w i t h o u t
salaries."
He also stated that 1 5 0 p u p i l s h a d b e e n enrolled for the first t e r m , a n d
•264—e-
H~0*f
suggested that h e he a u t h o r i z e d to receive a few a d d i t i o n a l ones; this suggestion w a s
referred to the Committee on Finance a n d Economy "with p o w e r to admit m o r e if they think
It best to do so."
T h e subject of r e c e i v i n g day scholars w a s again considered and
•referred to the Committee on F i n a n c e a n d E c o n o m y w i t h p o w e r to a d m i t a l i m i t e d number."
The P r e s i d e n t also reported, that ^ s e v e r a l m e e t i n g s of our F a c u l t y h a v e b e e n
leld & the necessary school furniture a n d b o o k s h a v e b e e n a g r e e d u p o n , and in p a r t o r d e r e d ,
il though the appropriation of $ 5 , 0 0 0 w i l l scarcely p a y for t h e s e , w e shall confine ourselves to this sum till further instructed."
T h e H o u s e h o l d Committee "reported they h a d
<=L
contracted for the b e d - s t e a d s , m a t t r e s s e s , p i l l o w s , b u r e a u s & w a s h s t a n d s , a m o u n t i n g to
ibout $ 1 1 , 0 0 0 . 0 0 ; of this sum six thousand dollars iB in h a n d s of the F u r n i s h i n g
Committee,
;he r e m a i n i n g F i v e thousand w a s a p p r o p r i a t e d to the c o m m i t t e e , b y the b o a r d , some m o n t h s
since.
A s the furniture for the large r e c e p t i o n rooms a n d the B o y s & G i r l s parlors a r e
yet to be p u r c h a s e d ; also the b l a n k e t s , b e d s p r e a d s , carpetd a n d dining room furniture
ire yet to b e p r o v i d e d for; the committee w o u l d respectfully a s k for a further appropriati o n of ten thousand d o l l a r s .
A s it will be desirable to have the c o l l e g e entirely pre-
>ared for the reception of s t u d e n t s , on the 2 1 s t . of n e x t m o n t h , the committee would suggest the p r o p r i e t y of the O f f i c e r s and. some of the A s s i s t a n t s commencing their residence
.n the college on the 7 t h . of next month.*"
T h i s report was p r e s e n t e d by H e l e n G . L o n g s t r e t h , C l e r k , a n d w a s a p p r o v e d b y
;he B o a r d , w h i c h appropriated to the committee "Five thousand dollars from the funds on
tand, a n d a further appropriation of F i v e thousand dollars is m a d e to b e paid out of the
'irst collections m a d e on account of new
T h e P r e s i d e n t reported®
subscriptions."
that "the u n p a i d subscriptions w i t h i n the limits of
>hila Y e a r l y Meeting a m o u h t to $ 2 3 , 1 8 0 , of w h i c h $ 1 7 , 1 3 0 is due from residents of this
:ity; $2,090 of the w h o l e a m t . m a y b e p l a c e d on a suspended list a s difficult of c o l l e c t i o n ^
!o meet the immediate n e e d of m o r e m o n e y , "those p r e s e n t made the f o l l o w i n g n e w subscripiions:
n:
Edward Hoopes $500.
Daniel Underbill
$250.
The original of this Report is extant a n d d i f f e r s somewhat in detail fronT the m i n u t e s .
S64
Deborah F . Wharton
Samuel W i l l e t s
$100.
$1,000,
&
Clement M . B i d d l e
$250.
Martha G . Mcllvain
$100."
T h e P r e s i d e n t also stated that "the a c c u m u l a t i o n of a f f a i r s connected w i t h
the organization of the College m a k e s it i m p o s s i b l e f o r m e to devote the n e c e s s a r y attention to the collection of the m o n e y , due i t , a n d I request to b e r e l i e v e d of this hitherto onerous p a r t of m y duties"; but the B o a r d a p p e a r s to h a v e taken no a c t i o n on this request
O n e m o n t h l a t e r , 1 0 t h . M o n t h 5 , 1 8 6 9 , the B o a r d m e t a g a i n , w i t h seventeen members p r e s e n t .
T h e H o u s e h o l d C o m m i t t e e reported that "they h a v e b e e n a c t i v e l y engaged in
purchasing furniture &c a n d expect to h a v e all the a r r a n g e m e n t s c o m p l e t e d in time for the
opening of the college on the 21st."
T h e B u i l d i n g Committee reported that "it w i l l b e
impossible to finish the b u i l d i n g b y the time the college is a d v e r t i s e d to o p e n , but that
they b e l i e v e they can h a v e it ready f o r the reception of scholars b y the 2 1 s t , a n d finish
afterwards."
T h e B o a r d a p p r o v e d this s u g g e s t i o n , b u t a u t h o r i z e d the p o s t p o n e m e n t of
the opening if a b s o l u t e l y n e c e s s a r y .
f A
T h e number of students e n r o l l e d w a s r e p o r t e d b y the P r e s i d e n t to b e 1 5 9 ,
follows:
"Boys
88
Girls 8 2
withdrawn 6
leaving
withdrawn 5 , leaving
as
82,
77."
"Our f r i e n d H e l e n G . Longstreth," the m i n u t e s c o n t i n u e , " e x p e c t i n g to commence
h e r duties as M a t r o n b e f o r e our next m e e t i n g , o f f e r e d h e r r e s i g n a t i o n a s a m e m b e r of the
Board of M a n a g e r s , w h i c h w a s a c c e p t e d ; ^ b u t
since h e r term w a s to expire a t the time of
the corporation's m e e t i n g , two m o n t h s l a t e r , the B o a r d did not a p p o i n t h e r s u c c e s s o r .
W i t h the coming of so m a n y y o u n g p e o p l e to the college , the B o a r d immediately
took u p a consideration of the "holding of a E e l i g i o u s M e e t i n g " , a n d a committee of six
(Hugh M c l l v a i n , J o s e p h Powell,• D e b o r a h F . W h a r t o n , Clement B i d d l e , H a r r i e t E . S t o c k l y ,
and E d i t h W . A t l e e ) w a s a p p o i n t e d "to g i v e the subject careful consideration a n d report to
a
the B o a r d whjyn prepared."
A t the m e e t i n g of the B o a r d on 1 2 t h . M o n t h 7 , 1 8 6 9 , this coia2 - In the original r e p o r t , 150 (without d e t a i l s ) .
~
'
ooi -
a
m i t t e e , "not "being p r e p a r e d to m a k e a n y r e c o m m e n d a t i o n s w a s released from further
consideration of the s u b j e c t .
A t the same time the F a c u l t y of the College a r e encouraged
to continue h o l d i n g the m e e t i n g for worship now b e i n g h e l d there."
A t the B o a r d ' s m e e t i n g on 1 0 t h . M o n t h 5 , 1 8 6 9 , "a p r o p o s i t i o n w a s m a d e that a
committee of five b e a p p o i n t e d to a s s i s t the P r e s i d e n t in m a k i n g suitable arrangements to
celebrate the inauguration of the C o l l e g e , w h i c h w a s a p p r o v e d a n d the following stockholders w e r e a p p o i n t e d to constitute said committee: W
111
W Longstreth, W
Hoopes, J o h n D . H i c k s & G e r a r d H . R e e s e , w i t h p o w e r to fill vacancies."
111
Sellers, Edward
W h e n this m e e t i n g
of the B o a r d a d j o u r n e d , it a g r e e d "to m e e t the evening p r e v i o u s to the I n a u g u r a t i o n , in
this house at 7.30 P . M . " ; b u t it did not m e e t a g a i n u n t i l 1 2 t h . M o n t h 7 , 1 8 6 9 , at w h i c h
time the P r e s i d e n t r e p o r t e d that the Inauguration h a d o c c u r r e d at the College on the 1 0 t h ,
of 1 1 t h . M o n t h p r e c e d i n g . ^
^
^
M e a n w h i l e , the Intelligencer of 1 0 t h , M o n t h 1 6 , 1 8 6 9 ,
p u b l i s h e d the f o l l o w i n g
n o t i c e , dated 1 0 t h . M o n t h 12 a n d signed "Edward P a r r i s h Clerk": "Swarthmore C o l l e g e . P a r ents a n d others w h o have entered students for the first term a r e informed that for their
a c c o m m o d a t i o n a train will leave the D e p o t at Thirty-fir^fe a n d Chestnut S t s . , P h i l a d e l p h i a ,
on F i f t h - d a y , the 2 1 s t inst., a t 9 o ' c l o c k A . M .
No p u b l i c inauguration w i l l be h e l d on
that day."
B u t "Edward P a r r i s h , P r e s i d e n t " , w a s o b l i g e d to issue the following notice in
the I n t e l l i g e n c e r of 1 0 t h . M o n t h 2 3 , 1869;
"Swarthmore C o l l e g e .
O w i n g to some of the con-
tractors b e i n g p r e v e n t e d from f u l f i l l i n g their contracts ty the recent f r e s h e t , a n d other
causes, the Committee have b e e n compelled to p o s t p o n e the opening of Swarthmore College
till about the 1st of E l e v e n t h M o n t h ,
circular.
Due n o t i c e will b e g i v e n of the p r e c i s e time b y
In the m e a n t i m e , everything in the b u i l d i n g w i l l b e fully completed f o r the
accommodation of its inmates."
T h e "recent freshet" h a d o c c u r r e d on 1 0 t h . M o n t h 3 , a n d its severity is indicated
by the following a c c o u n t w h i c h a p p e a r e d in the I n t e l l i g e n c e r of 1 0 t h . M o n t h 1 7 j
7
Jffimratanr
% - u i \ W p . at
flxl&^y.
536.
fy- y V e t r f t S ^ . 528; c f . a l s o p . 5 9 2 . T h e f l o o d f o l l o w e d a n u n p r e c e d e n t e d drought in P h i l I / adelphia a n d its v i c i n i t y , d u r i n g A u g u s t a n d S e n t e m b e r (Cf.¥etr3S > 'fip. 5 4 3 - 4 ) .
409 - 1
LaundryXAigfot, Iloatt-Woto8». B a k e r y , Boiler-House a n d Ice-House
Some of the details necessary for opening the college, especially so late in
the year as November, are graphically portrayed in the report of the Building Committee
irhich was presented to the hoard on 1 1 t h . Month 7 , 1 8 6 9 , and which reads as follows:
* $ h e building committee report that immediately after the meeting in the Seventh
nonth when they were directed to finish the b u i l d i n g , they immediately increased the
dumber of workmen to accomplish if possible that object by Tenth month Twenty-first, and
believe they would have been ready to have the School opened then had it not been for
on&voidable circumstances which prevented their contractors from performing their part
Df the contract^ as it was they were coiipelled with m u c h reluctance to postpone that
Event nearly two weeks, for which they claim yout indulgence.
^Almost the first subject that claimed the attention of your committee were Heat
and Light, and after mature reflection and the study of many plans they adonted the
nachine made by the Springfield Gaslight Conraany represented by Gilbert, Barker a n d Co
for the l a t t e r , which with its f i x t u r e s , burners and h o u s e , cost about Thirty-seven
Hundred and Fifty Dollars (3750).
<*The 'Board of Underwriters' permit these machines to be u s e d p r o v i d e d they are
xnder ground and fifty feet from the b u i l d i n g , but your committee thought that for perfect
safety and a feeling of security they had better place it one hundred and fifty f e e t ,
rhich having met with the decided approbation of the manufacturers they placed it at that
distance, we believe the machine well made and as it is all of brass it will with care
last mary y e a r s .
J*Qn the subject of Heat they were more divided and it was not without much difficulty and after getting a number of estimates that they decided upon heating with S t e a m .
Ml
those wno estimated for heating with hot air furnaces placed eighteen heaters in the
cellar.
Although the cost would have been l e s s , and probably take less fuel to warm the
building, we were fearful of fire in having so m a n y furnaces in the c e l l a r , and even if
they were biiilt perfectly safe the idea of so many fires beneath the building might give a
409 -
1
ieling of insecurity to s o m e , that w o u l d w o r k to the disadvantage of the s c h o o l .
S l a v i n g decided u p o n h e a t i n g with Steam they a s k e d f o r estimates for various
rties to p e r f o r m the w o r k w h i c h w e r e received a n d v a r i e d from ah out T w e l v e T h o u s a n d to
enty-two Thousand F i v e H u n d r e d D o l l a r s , the m a r g i n "being so w i d e w e thought best to a s k
e advise of a consulting engineer, w h o s e judgment w a s that if w e p u r c h a s e d a l l the apparas and m a t e r i a l ourselves a t m a n u f a c t u r e r s p r i c e s a n d h a d the labor p e r f o r m e d u n d e r h i s
rection the whole cost w o u l d not exceed T e n T h o u s a n d Dollars ( $ 1 0 , 0 0 0 ) , w h i c h a r r a n g e m e n t
felt compelled to a d o p t , although it w o u l d n e c e s s a r i l y put m u c h m o r e labor u p o n your
nmittee.
^ H a v i n g decided to heat with Steam it rendered an a d d i t i o n a l b u i l d i n g n e c e s s a r y
i as we k n e w w e load to h a v e one for a L a u n d r y w e thought best to b u i l d one large enough to
swer f4r B o i l e r H o u s e , L a u n d r y a n d B a k e r y , w h i c h w e l o c a t e d n o r t h of the K i t c h e n and
fty feet t h e r e f r o m , (being also on the other side of the right of way 2/7ths of which
Long to the I n g e r s o l s , w h i c h has not as y e t b e e n a c q u i r e d by the C o l l e g e ^ to be out of
iger of fire or explosions, and also to g i v e u s room f o r a Scullery a n a covered way u n : which to load or unload m a r k e t i n g & c coming to the h o u s e ; our only regret is that it
.
.1 necessitate a g r e a t e r outlay of m o n e y we f e a r than the b o a r d e x p e c t e d .
W e
h a v e had all the Springs c o l l e c t e d , into one pipe and carried down to the
lp near the dam from w h e n c e it is thrown u p into the ma.in tank h o l d i n g 9500 g a l l o n s - in
> dome of the b u i l d i n g , from w h e n c e it is distributed into the three o t h e r s , one in each
the extreme ends of the return w i n g s , h o l d i n g each 1 6 0 0 g a l l o n s , a n d one in the L a u n d r y
ldin -, h o l d i n g 1000 g a l l o n s .
# W e h a v e also h a d placed in v a r i o u s p a r t s of the building large Stop-cocks to
w e r for fire p l u g s .
iry
The springs we believe w i l l give u s a full supply of water for cul-
& house purposes even in the dryest of times; but your committee fear they will n o t
suficient for the boiler a n d laundry a n d think it best now w h i l e the springs a r e low to
e a well dug immediately north of the Boiler H o u s e to supply them, w h i c h can be p u m p e d
o the tank by the Steam p u m p u s e d to supply the B o i l e r , this is r e n d e r e d necessary b y
r /« <"
409 -
1
ome of the manufacturers on Crum Creek above u s making the water so impure by running
heir refuse dye stuff, and Soda ash into the creek as sometimes to spoil it for either
alinary, washing or bathing p u r p o s e s .
^ T h e above causes render it necessary to b u i l d an ice dam and h o u s e , which your
ommittee recommend should b e built on the run n e a r the farm h o u s e .
# W e have received from the Treasurer the sum of $220,200.00
tiich with amount paid by Finance committee amounting to
3.756.00
$223,956.00
ie expenditure of which in their judgment should be divided as follows:
P a i d for Insurance
$2,023.60
Farm Account
200.00
H e a t i n g , Ventilating,Gas Works & c
7,791.61
Wa.ter Works,Grading and other
out door work
4,500.00
Laundry Building,Boiler House & Baker;'- 4,000.00
To College Building (proper)
204,475.41
Balance in the hands of committee
965.38
$223,956.00
SE
lof the 3d. ixist. seems to have extended o v e r the w h o l e c o u n t r y , a n d h a s occasioned m u c h
damage.
In W a s h i n g t o n "bridges w e r e w a s h e d a w a y a n d h o u s e s f l o o d e d .
case a l l a l o n g the P o t o m a c .
to C a l l o w h i l l , w e r e f l o o d e d .
T h e same w a s the
In P h i l a d e l p h i a a l l the b u i l d i n g s on 2 3 d S t r e e t , from M a r k e t
M a n y of the occupants w e r e taken out in b o a t s .
rose nineteen f e e t , doing m u c h d a m a g e .
The Lehigh
T h e Schuylkill w a s also v e r y h i g h . I n B a l t i m o r e
there h a s b e e n m u c h loss to the railroads a n d other p r o p e r t y .
A l o n g the line of the Erie
and New Y o r k Central railroads the storm w a s very s e v e r e , a n d p r o p e r t y was m u c h d a m a g e d .
In New Y o r k city nearly ^ i v e inches of rain f e l l .
Communication
between Philadelphia and
Baltimore w a s entirely s u s p e n d e d , a s w a s the case on m a ly other r a i l r o a d s .
At Brattleboro,
V t . , several lives w e r e l o s t , some shops b e i n g f l o a t e d from their fo-nndati o - n a ( j * i
7 p F i n a l l y , on 1 1 t h . M o n t h 8 , 1 8 6 9 , the c o l l e g e w a s " o p e n e d " .
D r . M a g i l l , writ-
ing nearly forty y e a r s l a t e r , g i v e s some of the details as follows: ^¥"We had h o p e d to
open the college in S e p t e m b e r , about the u s u a l time f o r o p e n i n g a f t e r the summer v a c a t i o n ,
but w h e n the time came the roof w a s n o t f i n i s h e d on the m a i n b u i l d i n g , w h i c h h a s since
been a p p r o p r i a t e l y called P a r r i s h H a l l , a f t e r the first p r e s i d e n t .
V a r i o u s inside arrange-
ments also were incomplete; in p a r t i c u l a r , the central h a l l , w h i c h w a s to be u s e d a s a
study-room for the p r e p a r a t o r y s c h o o l , was n o t yet e q u i p p e d w i t h seats a n d d e s k s .
T h e de-
lay h a d b e e n caused b y a p o s t p o n e m e n t of the w o r k in the s u m m e r , the funds collected b e i n g
e x h a u s t e d , a n d a n a d d i t i o n a l supply h a v i n g to b e r a i s e d b y subscription; for the cautious
Friends d i d not w i s h to incumber the p r o p e r t y w i t h a M o r t g a g e .
W e issued a c i r c u l a r , a
copy of w h i c h is p r e s e r v e d in the room now c a l l e d 'Friends H i s t o r i c a l L i b r a r y , ' but then
known as 'The A n s o n L a p h a m R e p o s i t o r y , ' from the n a m e of its f o u n d e r .
that our opening did not occur u n t i l early in N o v e m b e r .
T h i s circular shows
E v e n to do t h a t , our cautious
attitude during the years of b u i l d i n g the college h a d to b e a b a n d o n e d , a n d a small mortgage w a s e x e c u t e d u p o n the p r o p e r t y .
procedure to be later e x p l a i n e d .
2T -
T h i s w a s l o n g since liquidated b y an u n d e s i r a b l e
^'f"/
* % i x t g - f i v e Years in the L j f e of a Teacher,=* 1 9 0 7 , p p . 141 - jtyj".
4ie
-3r
T h e "circular" notice of the o p e n i n g , p r o m i s e d "by D r . F a r r i s h on 10th
M o n t h 2 3 , 1 8 6 9 , was duly issued b y h i m one week later and reads as follows:
^Swarthmore
^
f
College
CIRCULAR
T h e postponement of the opening of the C o l l e g e , a n n o u n c e d on the Sixteenth
inst., w a s reluctantly concluded u p o n in c o n s e q u e n c e of delays in completing the
apparatus for h e a t i n g a n d lighting the b u i l d i n g , w h i c h w e r e quite b e y o n d the control
of the Building C o m m i t t e e .
These w e r e d u e , in p a r t , to the h e a v y freshets which
p r o d u c e d s\ic.h disastrous effects early in the p r e s e n t m o n t h .
* No one could have regretted the p o s t p o n e m e n t more than the Building Committee
a n d Officers of the C o l l e g e , but in v i e w of the responsibility of b r i n g i n g so large
a number of residents into the b u i l d i n g w i t h o u t the certainty of h a v i n g it well
warmed a n d lighted in a d v a n c e , they b e l i e v e d it their duty to direct the issue of the
late Circular p o s t p o n i n g the o p e n i n g .
The progress of the w o r k during the past two w e e k s has b e e n such that we a r e
now enabled to announce that the Students w i l l b e received on S e c o n d - d a y , the 8th of
11th m o n t h .
A s this postponement reduces the l e n g t h of the first t e r m , those who
claim it will have a n equitable reduction from $ 1 2 5 , the sum b e f o r e a n n o u n c e d .
This
p a y m e n t m u s t be in a d v a n c e of the o p e n i n g .
n answer to numerous i n q u i r i e s , it should be stated that as Students could
not select their own rooms w i t h o u t ihjustice to o t h e r s , the O f f i c e r s of the h o h s e h o l d
will allot suitable lodgings to e a c h , h a v i n g regard to a g e and fitness; the selection
of room-mates w i l l , h o w e v e r , b e left m a i n l y to the Students t h e m s e l v e s , a n d their
parents or g u a r d i a n s , who a r e r e q u e s t e d at once to indicate by note any p r e f e r e n c e s
they m a y h a v e in this p a r t i c u l a r
410 -
1
•iPDhe Inauguration M e e t i n g w i l l "be h e l d on F o u r t h - d a y , the 1 0 t h of E l e v e n t h m o n t h ,
is 3 o ' c l o c k , P . M . , to be a t t e n d e d by the Board of Managers a n d such of the friends of
the College as the;/ m a y i n v i t e , a n d by the p a r e n t s a n d n e a r relatives of the S t u d e n t s .
I Special T r a i n will leave the D e p o t , at 31st a n d Chestnut S t s . , P h i l a d e l p h i a , at 1.45
P.M., on the arrival of the Express T r a i n from N e w Y o r k .
* T h e regular Rail R o a d T r a i n s leave P h i l a d e l p h i a at 7.45 a n d 1 1 . 0 0 A . M . , and
2.30, 4 . 1 5 , a n d 6.15 P . M .
^ T r u n k s and other packages m a y be forwarded by E x p r e s s , p r e - p a i d , direct to
Swarthmore C o l l e g e , via West Chester a n d P h i l a d e l p h i a R a i l R o a d .
L e t t e r s should be
iirected to O a k d a l e , P a . , or to the care of the u n d e r s i g n e d ,
EDWARD P A R R I S H ,
President
N o . 800 Arch Street, Philadelphia*
P h i l a d a . , 10th M o n t h 3 0 t h , 1869
S04-
6-
//-/ i
r
*1lfhen the time f o r opening c a m e , the f a c u l t y , w h o m I h a v e a l r e a d y n a m e d , w e r e
ill p r e s e n t , ready to receive a n d classify the s t u d e n t s , a n d to b e g i n w o r k .
J^Phe first task before u s w a s to e x a m i n e a n d m a k e a p a r t i a l
classification
f the a p p l i c a n t s , about one h u n d r e d a n d twenty-five o r one h u n d r e d a n d thirty in n u m b e r ,
n the b e g i n n i n g w e could not reject a n y , but m u s t determine their p l a c e s in c l a s s , a n d
ecord their n a m e s .
W e soon found that v e r y few of the n u m b e r p r e s e n t e d w e r e p r o p e r l y
ualified to enter a college c l a s s , a n d y e t in the b e g i n n i n g w e h a d h o p e d to enter a large
umber a s F r e s h m e n , a s these w o u l d n e c e s s a r i l y f o r m the entire college p r o p e r for the
irst y e a r .
O f the few w h o entered this first F r e s h m a n c l a s s , several d r o p p e d out in the
ourse of four y e a r s , a n d in 1 8 7 3 , or four y e a r s l a t e r , b u t six - five y o u n g w o m e n a n d
ne y o u n g m a n - w e r e ready to receive a d e g r e e .
ent, will b e m a d e clear a s we p r o c e e d .
T h e causes for t h i s , if n o t self-evi-
The w h o l e n u m b e r who p r e s e n t e d themselves w e r e
egistered in the p r e s i d e n t ' s o f f i c e , to b e c l a s s i f i e d l a t e r .
he classification w e r e in w r i t i n g .
A l l the examinations for
T h e n came the great l a b o r , w i t h our small f a c u l t y ,
f making a tentative c l a s s i f i c a t i o n , first into f r e s h m a n a n d p r e p a r a t o r y students; a n d
h e n the l a t t e r were to b e divided into three c l a s s e s , A , B , a n d C .
E a c h of these w a s furt-
her divided into two or three s e c t i o n s , a s qualifications seemed to r e q u i r e .
Cornell
h i v e r s i t y h a d opened the p r e v i o u s y e a r , a n d one d i f f i c u l t y was encountered there w h i c h w e
iscaped, small college though w e w e r e .
One y o u n g m a n , who h a d b e e n a t e a m s t e r , came into
h e p r e l i m i n a r y e x a m i n a t i o n , and w h e n questioned said that he could n e i t h e r read nor w r i t e ,
h e n asked w h y he came to college, he quoted the w o r d s of E z r a C o r n e l l , the f o u n d e r , w h o
a d s a i d , ' I w o u l d found a literary i n s t i t u t i o n w h e r e a n y p e r s o n m a y receive instruction
n any subject,' a n d he a d d e d , ' I w o u l d like to l e a r n to read aiid w r i t e . '
r
as p r o m p t l y advised tc --•*--- - —
"*Our prelin
O f course he
-
_
a y w a s d e v o t e d to distributing the b o o k s r e q u i r e d .
fcations o c c u p i e d three days; a n o t h e r
T h e s e w e r e a t first f u r n i s h e d at the
o p e n s e of the c o l l e g e , without charge for u s e , to be returned to the b o o k - r o o m w h e n d o n e
ith.
This u n u s u a l p r a c t i c e w a s not c o n t i n u e d m a n y y e a r s ; b u t it r e q u i r e d some time
efore p a r e n t s a m o n g Friends w e r e satisfied to incur the expense of f u r n i s h i n g b o o k s ,
•so^
Jspecially w h e n the college required studies w h i c h they d i d not d e s i r e .
T h e y seemed to
think that if w e required certain studies w e should f u r n i s h , a t our own e x p e n s e , the
lecessary b o o k s .
I recall v i v i d l y , at this m o m e n t , the a p p e a r a n c e of our chemical labors
itory, so c a l l e d , just b a c k of what w a s later c a l l e d the c o l l e c t i n g - r o o m , when that first
rear c l o s e d , in 1 8 7 0 ,
Students w e r e told to r e t u r n their b o o k s to this r o o m , then e m p t y ,
m d to p u t them on the floor on the w e s t s i d e .
B y the time the students h a d left f o r the
summer v a c a t i o n , the west side of this room was f i l l e d n e a r l y to the c e i l i n g w i t h b o o k s ,
lot regularly p i l e d b u t thrown in p e l l - m e l l , a n d the p i l e sloped down toward the floor on
;he east s i d e .
O f course the destruction of h o o k s thus t r e a t e d w a s g r e a t ; the difficulty
ras that they w e r e u n d e r s t o o d to b e college p r o p e r t y , a n d not to b e l o n g to those who u s e d
;hem.
N o t m a n y years p a s s e d b e f o r e b o o k s w e r e supplied a s n e e d e d , b u t for their u s e there
ras a regular c h a r g e .
T h i s rather trivial m a t t e r g i v e s §ome idea of the countless details
-
(/*>
r
leeding a t t e n t i o n in that early t i m e .
i-
•
/
1
/
l)
The classification o f the first students w a s reported b y the P r e s i d e n t to the
B o a r d a t its m e e t i n g on 1 2 t h . M o n t h 7 , 1 8 6 9 , a s f o l l o w s :
College class (Preshman)
Glass A
P r e p a r a t o r y School
Class
20
24
fl-lst-Div^T*
n
»
»- 2nd."
2 4 • 74
"
"- 3rd."
23
"
e_ ist.»
29:
«
»- 2nd."
16V
"
"- 3rd."
7J
52
170
(88 B o y s a n d 82 G i r l s ) .
T h e examinatioiv-questions w h i c h were set the first p u p i l s , in order to decide
ipon their c l a s s i f i c a t i o n , have b e e n p r e s e r v e d , and a r e a s f o l l o w s ^ t h o s e m a r k e d 1 eviLently h a v i n g b e e n g i v e n to the y o u n g e r p u p i l s , a n d those m a r k e d A to the older ones)l
412 -
1
A n anonymous a u t h o r , w r i t i n g in a Philadelphia newspaper an obituary
notice of D r . p a r r i s h , m a k e s the f o l l o w i n g comment: fl*After the c o m p l e t i o n of the
b u i l d i n g , which he was m a i n l y instrumental in a c c o m p l i s h i n g , h e r e c e i v e d w i t h i n its
walls nearly a h u n d r e d p u p i l s and all their teachers in the course of a. single w e e k ,
a n d , w i t h o u t a jar or sign of c o n f u s i o n , organized these strange a n d incongruous
elements into good w o r k i n g o r d e r .
T h e w o n d e r to all was that this was done so
easily; b u t to the m a s t e r - m i n d who conceived a n d directed the p l a n , it w a s n a t u r a l .
It was the p r o d u c t of a ripe g e n i u s .
r-i ~>
... / ,
f
n
B
ARITHMETIC.
1.
D e f i n e the expressions
2.
F i n d the greatest common divisor of 730 a n d 1 2 4 1 .
3.
F i n d the least common m u l t i p l e of 2 4 , 3 0 a n d 3 6 .
4.
W h a t is a f r a c t i o n , a n d how m a n y k i n d s of fractions a r e there?
5.
W h a t a r e the terms of a f r a c t i o n c a l l e d , a n d w h a t is expressed b y each?
6.
What is the effect u p o n a f r a c t i o n of £±diving the denominator?
2
A d d i t i o n , S u b t r a h e n d , P r o d u c t , D i v i d e n d a n d Quotient*
/3
7.
3 $ + 1 7/8 —
8.
Tfs
\
W r i t e the decimals four h u n d r e d t h s a n d n i n e t y - s i x m i l l i o n t h s .
9.
15 * 17 X
1 0 . 1 - 1 2 5 =
1/S ><.
*18
=
-4- 6
-
what?
f
r?-,
S
[ 7 / W
j
j /
fi/W^
what?
what?
GEOGRAPHY.
1.
Name the five largest cities in the w o r l d .
2.
W h a t a n d where is the h i g h e s t m o u n t a i n range?
3.
W h a t a n d w h e r e is the longest river?
4.
W h e r e is the N i l e , a n d in w h a t d i r e c t i o n do y o u sail in a s c e n d i n g it?
5.
B o u n d the U n i t e d States a n d give the c a p i t a l .
6.
W h i c h is the smallest
7.
W h a t countries does the M e d i t e r r a n e a n
8.
W h e r e is Cape Horn?
9.
T h r o u g h w h a t European countries does the p a r a l l e l of P h i l a d e l p h i a pass?
continent?
separate?
1 0 . N a m e the three largest p e n i n s u l a s on the coast of the U n i t e d S t a t e s .
ENGLISH
GRAMMAR.
1.
What p a r t s of speech m o d i f y nouns?
2.
Decline m a n .
3.
Compare.'little a n d tell what p a r t of speech it is,
J^^
«04
4.
W h a t is a pronoun?
5.
W h a t are the p r i n c i p a l p a r t s in the conjugation of a verb?
6.
What is an auxiliary?
7.
Give the p r i n c i p a l p a r t s of the verb to l a y .
8.
p a r s e the v e r b in the sentence 'I a m going to s c h o o l . '
9.
A r e a d v e r b s compared?
1 0 . D e f i n e a conjunction a n d a p r e p o s i t i o n .
A
ARITHMETIC.
1.
F i n d the greatest c o m m o n divisor of 4 / 5 , 5/6 a n d 7 / 8 .
2.
F i n d the least common m u l t i p l e of 2 / 3 . 3 / l Q a n d 4 / 1 5 .
3.
W h a t is the effect of changing the decimal p o i n t one p l a c e to the right?
A l s o , one
place to the left?
4.
M u l t i p l y one m i l l i o n b y one m i l l i o n t h , w r i t t e n as a d e c i m a l .
5.
Divide the a b o v e .
6.
F i n d 1 2 | p e r c e n t of 1 6 / 2 5 .
7.
W h a t p r i n c i p a l w i l l in 6 y e a r s a n d 6 m o n t h s , a t 6 p e r c e n t , a m o u n t to $604.65?
8.
F i n d the square root of 4 4 1 0 0 .
9.
Find the cube root of 1 3 8 2 4 .
1 0 . 48 f t . 10* X 8 f t . 9
1
=
what?
HISTORY
OF
THE
UNITED
STATES.
1.
W h a t two p l a c e s in the U n i t e d States w e r e first p e r m a n e n t l y s e t t l e d b y the English?
2.
W h a t w a s the resilt of the F r e n c h a n d I n d i a n war?
3.
What w a s the Stamp Act?
4.
W h a t w a s the result of the A m e r i c a n Revolution?
5.
W h e n a n d where w a s the D e c l a r a t i o n of Independence signed?
6.
Name the 13 original S t a t e s .
804
Lb)
i
Name the P r e s i d e n t s o f the U n i t e d States ih the o r d e r of their s u c c e s s i o n .
.
W h a t caused the Great R e b e l l i o n ; during w h o s e a d m i n i s t r a t i o n did it "break out;
h o w l o n g did it last; a n d w h a t w a s its result?
.
W h a t great event took p l a c e J a n . 1 s t , 1863?
GEOGRAPHY.
.
O v e r w h a t waters w o u l d yo i sail in g o i n g from L i v e r p o o l to San Francisco?
.
What causes the ebb a n d flow of the tides?
.
W h a t is a w a t e r - s h e d .
.
What is a river basin?
.
W h a t is the p r o p o r t i o n of l a n d a n d w a t e r on the surface of the g l o b e .
.
What territory of the U n i t e d S t a t e s l i e s n e a r e s t Asia?
.
Describe the next to(largest river in the w o r l d .
.
W h i c h is the l a r g e s t Bnpire?
.
W h i c h is the m o s t p o p u l o u s Empire?
0 . W h a t countries b o r d e r on the Mediterranean?
ENGLISH
GRAMMAR.
.
W h a t is the difference b e t w e e n a vowel a n d a consonant?
.
Give the p r i n c i p a l p a r t s of the verb ^ o lie in b i t h its m e a n i n g s .
.
What are p a s s i v e v e r b s , and h o w a r e they formed?
.
Give a sentence containing a v e r b in the subjunctive m o d e .
orrect the f o l l o w i n g e x a m p l e s , a n d e x p l a i n why they a r e incorrect in their p r e s e n t
orm:
.
Who is there?
Me.
.
Every one m u s t judge of their own f e e l i n g s .
I do not like those k i n d of t h i n g s .
*
-201. -• 1 L .
8.
The p r o p r i e t y of such p r o c e e d i n g s a r e d o u b t f u l .
9.
H e reads just like I d o .
1 0 . T h e y b e i n g a b s e n t the m e e t i n g a d j o u r n e d .
b
Parse being absent.
LATIN.
1.
T r a n s l a t e "Cyrus omnium suorum militurn n o m i n a m e m o r i a tenebat.
Mithridates autem,
4,
r e x P o n t i , duarum et v i g i n t i g e n t i u m , quae sub regno ejus e r a n t , l i n g u a s ity^ d i d i c e r a t ,
ut cum o m n i b u s , quibus i m p e r a b a t , sine interprete l o q u i p o s s e t .
2.
D e c l i n e m i l l turn, n o m i n a . duarum a n d o m n i b u s .
3.
Conjugate t e n e b a t , g i v i n g the First P e r s o n Singular of each tense of the Indicative M o d ®
4.
Give the p r i n c i p a l P a r t s of d i d i c e r a t . l o q u i a n d p o s s e t .
5.
What is the construction of g e n t i u m , r e g n o , q u i b u s a n d interprete?
6.
Give the rule r e q u i r i n g p o s s e t to b e in the s u b j u n c t i v e .
7.
Inflect the P r e s e n t Indicative of p o s s e t .
1.
T r a n s l a t e "Le l a b o u r e u r p o r t e le p o i d s d u j o u r , S*expose a la p l u i e , a u s o l e i l , ecax
P
r
\ inv e n t s , p o u r p r e p a r e r p a r son travail l a m o i s s o n qui r e m p l i r a ses g r e n i e r s a fcautomne.
2.
Give the P r e s e n t Infinitive a n d the P r e s e n t a n d P a s t P a r t i c i p l e s of the three italicized
v e r b s in this p a s s a g e .
3.
Inflect the same verbs in the t e n s e in w h i c h they are found i n this p a s s a g e .
Translate into F r e n c h , 4.
W e b a t h e every d a y .
W e are entirely devoted to the service of o u r c o u n t r y .
6.
A r e y o u a c q u a i n t e d w i t h him?
7.
P r i d e a n d v a n i t y a r e often the source of m a n y m i s f o r t u n e s .
8.
A l e x a n d e r died at the age of t h i r t y - t h r e e .
9.
Synonymous terms a r e w o r d s w h i c h h a v e nearly the same signification."
The "circular"to w h i c h D r . Magill refers a s h a v i n g given a n account of
the opening a.id a s - h a v i n g b e e n issued by "us" w a s a p a m p h l e t of sixteen p a g e s entitled
'^Proceedingsjan the Inauguration of Swarthmore ^College, E l e v e n t h M o n t h 1 0 t h , 1869,"
It was chiefly a reprint of the ^ S u p p l e m e n t to F r i e n d s ' I n t e l l i g e n c e r ^ , w h i c h w a s spoken
"
-
of in the following editorial n o t e in the Intelligencer of 1 1 t h . M o n t h 2 0 , 1869*.
• ^ S w a r t h m o r e College o p e n e d on S e c o n d - d a y , 8 t h i n s t . , u n d e r favorable a u s p i c e s ,
About
180 students were entered for the first S e s s i o n , a n d on F o u r t h - d a y a f t e r n o o n , the 1 0 t h
inst., the p a r e n t s of m a n y of the c h i l d r e n , a n d the friends of the I n s t i t u t i o n , a t t e n d e d
the Inaugural C e r e m o n i e s .
W e h a d p u r p o s e d to p u b l i s h in the p r e s e n t n u m b e r the address
of the P r e s i d e n t a n d some other interesting p a r t i c u l a r s connected w i t h this important
event, b u t on further consideration h a v e c o n c l u d e d to d e f e r it t i l l n e x t w e e k , when w e
hope to f u r n i s h the full p a r t i c u l a r s in a supplement to the
Intelligencer^
T h e ^Supplement*'" is not b o u n d u p w i t h the n e x t number of the I n t e l l i g e n c e r ,
but it is p r e s e r v e d in separate form in a leaflet of eight pages u n i f o r m in size w i t h
the I n t e l l i g e n c e r ^ p a g e s .
The p a m p h l e t is doubtless the "report of the proceedings"
which the B o a r d of M a n a g e r s at its n e x t m e e t i n g (l2th. M o n t h 7 , 1 8 6 9 ) d i r e c t e d a committee of four (Edward P a r r i s h , Clement B i d d l e , E d i t h W . A t l e e a n d H a n n a h W . Haydock)-*ftsr
rtippnintir'ri to p r e p a r e for p u b l i c a t i o n .
^Inauguration
of
T h e ^ S u p p l e m e n t s reads in full a s follows:
Swarthmore
College
<*The general interest m a n i f e s t e d in this e v e n t , w h i c h o c c u r r e d on the 10th
instant, h a s induced u s to devote a supplementary sheet to a description of the proceedj ings, a n d to the publication of the Inaugural A d d r e s s a n d other communications made bjr
Ij
j Friends in a t t e n d a n c e , as far a s these could b e compiled from m e m o r y .
I
|
'"The day was f i n e , a n d the company collected n u m b e r e d a b o u t 800: a general
j invitation could not b e given w i t h o u t drawing together a larger n u m b e r than could be
|
a c c o m m o d a t e d in the L e c t u r e H a l l .
^ -
I
It w a s p r i n t e d in P h i l a d e l p h i a b y M e r r i h e w & Son,' P r i n t e r s , N o . 2 4 3 A r c h
V o l . -SS^ f . 6 0 2 .
j
s
m
?
Street,1869i
jIAJ^
C d a A - ^ c T J
£ 0 1
1 C
'
r
P r e v i o u s to the a s s e m b l i n g o f the c o m p a n y a t 3 o ' c l o c k , P . M . , a n i n t e r e s t i n g
ceremony w a s w i t n e s s e d on t h e g r o u n d s n e a r the east end. of the b u i l d i n g , d e s i g n e d to
commemorate the e v e n t .
T w o o a k t r e e s , r a i s e d f r o m a c o r n s "by our l a m e n t e d f r i e n d J a m e s
si
Mott, w e r e p l a n t e d , b y the a i d of h i s b e l o v e d w i f e a n d h e r son^| T h o m a s M o t t .
W h i l e they
were b e i n g p l a c e d in the g r o u n d , G e o r g e T r u m a n m a d e some a p p r o p r i a t e e x p l a n a t i o n s , a n d
suggested that a s , h e r e a f t e r , they i n t e r l o c k their b o u g h s , they w i l l suggest t h e b e a u t i f u l
blending of the l i v e s of J a m e s a n d L u c r e t i a M o t t .
T h e h a p p y effect of p e r p e t u a t i n g
thel^memories of early l i f e b y t h e p l a n t i n g of t r e e s , w h i c h , a s they g r o w , b e a u t i f u l l y
typify the p r o g r e s s of our l i v e s , w h i l e t h e y s e r v e to r e c a l l , a s in this c a s e , events calculated to g i v e d i r e c t i o n to a n d to m a k e their impress u p o n o u r c h a r a c t e r s , w a s h a p p i l y
referred t o .
^his
i n t e r e s t i n g scene w a s p h o t o g r a p h e d in a r e m a r k a b l y a c c u r a t e group b y
Henry M . P h i l l i p s , of P h i l a d e l p h i a , a f t e r w h i c h t h o s e who h a d come f r o m d i s t a n t p l a c e s p a r took of r e f r e s h m e n t s in t h e d i n i n g - r o o m of the C o l l e g e .
c o m p a n y of eight of t h e s t u d e n t s h a d b e e n d e t a i l e d to h a v e care of t h e seating of the a u d i e n c e in the L e c t u r e H a l l , w h i c h , a s the h o u r drew n e a r , w a s c o m p l e t e l y
filled, a n d y e t s c a r c e l y a n y o n e w a s u n d u l y c r o w d e d or o b l i g e d to a t a n d .
T h e centre o f
the m a i n h a l l w a s o c c u p i e d b y the s t u d e n t s , a b o u t 1 7 0 i n n u m b e r , a n d t h e a m p l e p l a t f o r m b y
the m a n a g e r s , t e a c h e r s a n d l e a d i n g f r i e n d s of the C o l l e g e , a n d b y some of the m o r e v e n e r a b l e
of those a s s e m b l e d .
Z&a.MirurUU^
^ S a m u e l W i l l e t s , of N e w Y o r k , p r e s i d e d , a n d t h e p r o c e e d i n g s w e r e r e m a r k a b l y
orderly
and dignified.
It wa^s the i n t e n t i o n to read a t the m e e t i n g t h e f o l l o w i n g l e t t e r
*
received b y the P r e s i d e n t , b u t the t i m e not b e i n g s u f f i c i e n t , its p u b l i c a t i o n w a s d i r e c t e d
i instead.
i
[Mward P a r r i s h ,
P r e s i d e n t of S w a r t h m o r e C o l l e g e .
*
|
S a n d y S o r i n g , M d . , 1 0 t h m o n t h 16,186a
—•
jQg^
^ ^
j
-'PhOGlC onlrvit-rflpf? ffipre rpmnvpri w h a n Snmr»mH.n «a fflpn w e e hnjlt on t h o i r o i t o , but
1
-^T^f""
a n t e d n o a r b y jto toke t h e i r p l a o o o tan
t
^
/
^"""^Jrr
p a m p h l e t of ^Proceedings"* b e g i n s a s f o l l o w s : " E a r l y in t h e a f t e r n o o n , o n F o u r t h - d a y ,
418 -
1
jjContinuation of foot-note No. 1 on Page 418^
the 10th of Eleventh month, 1869, a company of ahout eight hundred, friends of the
College, assembled to witness its inauguration.
It had been opened for the students two
days previously.
"An elevated spot east of the building had been selected for the planting of
trees, designed to commemorate the event.
Here the company assembled, and our aged
friend Lucretia Mott, assisted by her son, Thomas Mott, placed in the ground two oaks,
which had been raised from acorns by the late James Mott, and were contributed for the
purpose, and to serve as fitting memorials of his interest in the cause of education and
in the erection of this College."
The "Proceedings" from this point are identical with the "Supplement", except
for three passages as noted below
J.
Dr. Edward H. Magill, in a note dated 11th mo. 19th, 1886, writes of these oak
trees as follows:
"The Swarthmore Oak is situated about 70 yards almost due East from the South
last corner of the East Wing of the Main College Building.
The acorn from which it grew
was brought from Swarthmore, England, by James Mott - It was first planted in his garden
in Philadelphia, and from there transplanted, by the hand of his wife, Lucretia Mott, in
this place, in the presence of a large assembly of Friends who had assembled to witness
the ceremony - Two were thus planted, but the other - some 10 yards to the West-South
West of this - was transplanted, by a mistake of the gardner, to another part of the
grounds and on being returned to its place, two years later, it died - It is proposed that
this Survivor be known in the history of the College as "The Swarthmore Oak" - I was pres»
ent at the original planting here in 1869.* £
•
This oak-tree was removed when Somerville Hall was built over its location; two
others were planted nearby on Founders' Day, 1919, but one of these died a decade later,
leaving only "The Lucretia Mott Oak" still standing.
304,
14
C
•""My D e a r Friend.;-
J was in Philadelphia w h e n thy k i n d letter of the 10th
inst. came to our office, inviting me to attend the opening of Swarthmore School on the
21st; and I did not receive it till to-day,
c
"^Having been absent from home the greater part of the last three months on
business connected with the Indians, the gratification will be denied m e of being present
on the interesting occasion to which thy letter refers; an occasion rendered m o r e interesting, from its being the consummation of what has b e e n so long desired, attained through
| untiring preseverance and l a b o r .
M y best wishes are w i t h y o u a n d i t .
It cannot b u t b e
a success; the same patient industry, and financial l i b e r a l i t y , w h i c h have gradually
and successfully caused it to grow to its present imposing dimensions, as the inanimate
body, will impart to it vitality and intellect, till it becomes a living existence of
wide-spreading g o o d , shedding its illuminations a n d b e n i g n influences far around it,
through a long series of generations yet to c o m e .
^ **It will have difficulties to contend with; these w e a r e bound to expect, a n d
must be prepared f o r .
Ho far-renowned institution of learning is ever founded without
them; they seem indispensable, like the storm to the o a k , to impart stability a n d permanency to its foundations.
B u t , w i t h that Light which is Friends' Guiding Star, a n d that
Strength which is always vouchsafed to the sincere advocates of the T r u e , the B e a u t i f u l .
and the G o o d ,
which embrace the whole circle of S c i e n c e , and constitute the great ob-
jects of the Instit\ition, the Directors and friends of the College will successfully
triumph over them a l l .
^ ^ W i t h m y whole heart I can s a y , m a y your labors be crowned with the blessing
c
of the everlasting Father, sanctifying them to the lasting benefit of the previous
childpre^i
ren who m a y b e , from time to t i m e , inmates of the Institution.
Thy sincere f r i e n d ,
,0-
M
BEKJ. HALLOWELL,
o
/
a
y^jqC^fr
!
U m Jt ! < ,
Samuel M . Janney and Edward H . Magillyhad-boon the correspondents whose l e t t e r s W e s e
read at the Lading of the Corner-stone on 5th.Month 1 0 , 1866, a n d Professors Edwa d
Parrish and^Joseph Thomas made the main addresses ^ r w
J\ A J O C ^ A " .
• cjll. \_JCJL jF.'t'f- hi
.
V
<
the call of the p r e s i d i n g o f f i c e r , H u g h M c l l v a i n , C h a i r m a n of the
Building C o m m i t t e e , now stepped f o r w a r d a n d laid the k e y of the front d o o r of the C o l l e g e ,
and a large p i l e of receipted h i l l s u p o n the d e s k , stating that the b u i l d i n g , though not
in all p a r t i c u l a r s c o m p l e t e d , is now fit for o c c u p a n c y .
T h e sum e x p e n d e d u p o n it h a s
been $ 2 0 5 , 4 3 0 , receipts for w h i c h w e r e h a n d e d to the B o a r d of M a n a g e r s .
A f t e r stating
the dimensions a n d general characteristics of the b u i l d i n g , w i t h w h i c h the readers of
the I n t e l l i g e n c e r , a r e a l r e a d y f a m i l i a r , h e concluded b y resigning it to the B o a r d of
ll
Managers.
" ^ S a m u e l W i l l e t s , on b e h a l f of the M a n a g e r s a n d Stockholders of the C o l l e g e ,
thanked the B u i l d i n g Committee for their faithfulness a n d e f f i c i e n c y , remarking u p o n the
j rigid economy p r a c t i c e d by the Committee w i t h o u t s a c r i f i c i n g the completeness or the permanence of the b u i l d i n g .
H e then transferred the k e y to the P r e s i d e n t selected to h a v e
charge of the b u i l d i n g and its i n m a t e s , a n d w i t h m u c h feeling e x h o r t e d h i m a n d a l l those
associated w i t h h i m to a faithful discharge of the r e s p o n s i b l e trust reposed in them b y
the Board of M a n a g e r s .
^
^
^
^
Qj^ru^a*^
2/j
^ E d w a r d P a r r i s h , P r e s i d e n t of the C o l l e g e , then r e a d the f o l l o w i n g Inaugural
Address *
Sffl>TJfllJHflT.
ASSiffiS^
•"""With thankful h e a r t s , as w i t h cordial c o n g r a t u l a t i o n s , we h a v e m e t to inaugurate a new era in our w o r k - to take a n o t h e r important step in the p r o g r e s s of
Swarthmore C o l l e g e .
c '"The event we celebrate m a y seem a small item in the vast sum of h u m a n a f f a i r s
w h i c h the p r e s e n t revolution of the earth will b r i n g to l i g h t , yet to m o s t of those here
collected, a n d to m a n y w h o s e sympathies a r e w i t h u s , though they a r e necessarily a b s e n t ,
it is very far from u n i m p o r t a n t .
T h i s day culmihaltes a l o n g a n d a r d u o u s labor w h i c h ,
under the skilful g u i d a n c e of the Chairman of the B u i l d i n g C o m m i t t e e , has p r o d u c e d a n
edifice not second in completeness a n d p e r m a n e n c e to a n y heretofore e r e c t e d ih o u r country for the p u r p o s e s of e d u c a t i o n .
If* f
- The p a m p h l e t includes the f o l l o w i n g p a r a g r a p h : "The entire l e n g t h o f the b u i l d i n g
-£64
Continuation of footnote N o . 1 on P a g eA 3 0 4
yr-tt-
_j
j^j
is 348 f e e t , w i t h return w i n g s of 92 feet each; it consists of a center b u i l d i n g 60 feet
wide by 110 feet 8 inches d e e p , on either side of w h i c h a r e fire-proof a l c o v e s containing iron s t a i r s , a n d wings extending from either side of t h e s e , e a c h 1 0 0 feet b y 44 feet
wide; the return w i n g s a r e also 44 feet w i d e , w i t h towers A n the inner flanks 11 feet in
the c l e a r .
T h e k i t c h e n b u i l d i n g in the rear is 6 0 feet deep b y 4 4 feet w i d e .
ample laundry b u i l d i n g h a s also "Jjeen e r e c t e d , though n o t y e t f i n i s h e d .
An
T h e entire struc-
ture is h e a t e d by steam from b o i l e r s l o c a t e d in the Isasement of the l a u n d r y , a n d is
lighted by gas from a reservoir l o c a t e d 150 feet from the n e a r e s t p o i n t of the building."
^"*Some of y o u will recur w i t h emotions of p l e a s u r e to the m e e t i n g convened^
on this spot on the 10th of Fifth m o n t h , 1 8 6 6 , just three y e a r s a n d a h a l f gone "by,when
we hopefully a n d p r a y e r f u l l y l a i d the corner-stone of this s t r u c t u r e .
T h e n this vast
pile was only seen in the imagination of the architect a n d of the committee entrusted
with its erection; now it is a substantial h o u s e , combining apartments for education a n d
for living - a school and a h o m e comely to l o o k u p o n , commodious a n d comfortable; from
its situation a n d appointments a fit residence for a large n u m b e r of y o u t h w h o s e p h y s i c a l
and m e n t a l characteristics will b e h o u r l y influenced by their s u r r o u n d i n g s ,
c.
* L e t m e h e r e , in j u s t i c e , say of our friend H u g h M c l l v a i n , who h a s just resigned the k e y to the B o a r d of M a n a g e r s who a p p o i n t e d h i m , that no one could h a v e g i v e n
m o r e intelligence thought a n d energy to the noble w o r k of c o n s t r u c t i o n w i t h a v i e w to
his owiWcomfc/rt, than h e a n d his w o r t h y a n d efficient c o l l e a g u e , E d w a r d H o o p e s , have
given g r a t u i t A u s l y to serve their friends a n d to secure a fitting h o m e for the future
students of Swarthmore C o l l e g e .
T o this let m e add a further r e m a r k , m a d e a d v i s e d l y ,
that in the erection of this b u i l d i n g , strict economy h a s b e e n combined w i t h neatness
and great p e r m a n e n c e , showing that these rare a n d desirable qualities m a y b e secured bjr
untiring v i g i l a n c e a n d a conscientious a t t e n t i o n to d e t a i l , even on the p a r t of committees
entrusted w i t h large sums for p u r p o s e s of p u b l i c u t i l i t y .
^ '•VThe retrospect of the n i n e years w h i c h h a v e elapsed since the m e e t i n g h e l d
in B a l t i m o r e , T e n t h m o n t h 2 d , 1 8 6 0 , in w h i c h it w a s first p r o p o s e d to erect a n e w Institution of L e a r n i n g u n d e r the care of F r i e n d s , d e s i g n e d to equal the b e s t colleges in the
l a n d , is i n d e e d full of interest to u s a l l .
Not only h a v e w e learned m u c h in the p r o -
gress of the w o r k , but our friendships h a v e b e e n cemented b y frequent intercourse a n d b y
varied e x p e r i e n c e , so that w e h a v e b e c o m e remarkably k n i t together in singleness of pui>p o s e a n d in h a r m o n i o u s a c t i o n .
W e h a v e h a d p e r i o d s of d i s c o u r a g e m e n t , h a v e encountered
some opposition a n d m u c h i n d i f f e r e n c e , a n d h a v e h a d to a s s u m e a g a i n a n d a g a i n the thankless task of soliciting peouniary a i d , b u t the w o r k has g o n e forward s t e a d i l y , till now
304-
it approaches the p e r i o d w e h a v e so l o n g a n d a n x i o u s l y l o o k e d f o r , w h e n the sound of
the trowel a n d h a m m e r is to give p l a c e to that of h u m a n s p e e c h , b u s y w i t h the w o r k of
I instruction, a n d oftentimes m a d e eloquent w i t h the great truths of science a n d r e l i g i o n .
|We ought to fee reverently thankful that w e have b e e n p e r m i t t e d to carry on such a w o r k ,
j
| and to see it so far completed as already to p r o m i s e a n abundant r e w a r d .
T h e common lot
j of m e n , d e v o t e d to narrow a n d selfish i n t e r e s t s , has no enjoyments to compare w i t h those
j which flow from being a s s o c i a t e d w i t h others in h a r m o n i o u s labors for a n y great p u r p o s e
!
i of public b e n e f i c e n c e .
"*A p e c u l i a r i t y of this o r g a n i z a t i o n , a s contrasted w i t h m o s t others for like
| p u r p o s e s , is the a s s o c i a t i o n of w o m e n equally w i t h m e n i n its origin a n d m a n a g e m e n t .
To
i the w o m e n of the h o u s e h o l d a n d f u r n i s h i n g committees w e a r e especially indebted for such
^admirable p r o v i s i o n for the comfort of all the inmates of this h o u s e , that it is b e l i e v e d
very few who shall reside in it w i l l b e l e s s f a v o r a b l y circumstanced than in the homes
they h a v e l e f t .
I n e e d not name those ladies to w h o m this commendation m o s t especially
.applies; suffice it that they h a v e the thanks of a l l interested in the future of Swarthmore
j
0 o l l e e e
[ fjU
C
* I t w i l l be e x p e c t e d that in the l i m i t e d t i m e a l l o t t e d to m e f o r this dis-
course I should speak b r i e f l y of the educational p o l i c y and other l e a d i n g characteristics
of this c o l l e g e .
T h e question w i l l b e a s k e d , Is it indeed a college or a. b o a r d i n g - s c h o o l
in the common a c c e p t a t i o n of the terms?
I r e p l y , it is designed to embrace
all the ad-
| vanced b r a n c h e s of k n o w l e d g e taught in the c o l l e g e s , b u t , like e v e r y t h i n g telse that is
valuable, it m u s t h a v e time to grow a n d d e v e l o p ,
f
"*The c o m p a n i o n oaks w e h a v e j u s t t r a n s f e r r e d to o u r lawn w e r e a few years a g o
i deposited as a c o r n s by the hands of a dear friend now g o n e to his r e w a r d . Some of these
I children m a y live to see them m a j e s t i c sylvan g i a n t s , d e s t i n e d to spread their b r o a d
1 branches over successive g e n e r a t i o n s of students w h o w i l l frequent these grounds long
1
1
iafter the builders of this h o u s e a r e f o t g o t t e n .
S04——18,
* Scty the seed p l a n t e d b y B e n j a m i n H a l l o w e l l , M a r t h a E . Tyson a n d their asso-
S
ciate^, in 1 8 6 0 , has grown to this e x t e n t , that we h a v e h e r e in this goodly h o m e 180
j young p e o p l e mostly eager to a c q u i r e a n e d u c a t i o n , a n d have p r o v i d e d a fit corps of
professors a n d teachers who w i l l give them the a d v a n t a g e s of their own liberal culture
and large e x p e r i e n c e .
W h o shall tell w h a t the steady growth of h a l f a century shall
bring forth in the enlargement of the sphere a n d the improvement of the facilities of
the College?
^•""We h a v e n o t , h o w e v e r , p o s t p o n e d the f o r m a t i o n of a College C l a s s , b u t from
j
; the m a t e r i a l before us h a v e a l r e a d y succeeded in organizing the g r a d u a t i n g class of 1 8 7 3 .
* l t w o u l d h a r d l y b e expected that u n d e r the circumstances in w h i c h this ini stitution h a s b e e n established there should b e a restrictive p o l i c y a d o p t e d in the re) ception of its first s t u d e n t s .
i
M a n y h a v e subscribed for its erection w i t h a view to
: the education of children not y e t sufficiently a d v a n c e d in age o r in p r e p a r a t i o n to enter
j a college class; others are obliged b y refetricted m e a n s to forego the a d v a n t a g e s of
• liberal education - a f e w , p e r h a p s , as yet fail to a p p r e c i a t e these a d v a n t a g e s .
i
The
wants of a l l w i l l b e met now in its first o p e n i n g , a n d a large m a j o r i t y of the students
:
already classified a r e in the three classes of the p r e p a r a t o r y s c h o o l .
Those enter-
ing the lowest of these classes at this time w i t h the intention of a c q u i r i n g the diploma
of the C o l l e g e , w i l l p u r s u e a continuous seven y e a r s ' course of t r a i n i n g , d e s i g n e d to
develop their intellectual capacities a n d to fill their minds w i t h objects of interest
and instruction - designed to fit them for the varied duties of p u b l i c a n d p r i v a t e l i f e ,
a n d for elevated and refined social a n d intellectual
c
enjoyments.
S c i e n c e , covering a l l classified k n o w l e d g e , only a l l o w s the m a s t e r y of one
portion of its vast domain b y insisting that the r e m a i n d e r should b e a t least p a r t i a l l y
| a c q u i r e d , so that education cannot b e thorough if it is o n e - s i d e d .
1
N o m a n h a s a uower-
jful intellectual g r a s ^ , who does not include a w i d e a n d comprehensive v i e w of a c q u i r e d
|knowledge.
To some this w i d e view is alj» i n t u i t i v e , but b y most m e n it is only g a i n e d
H^^H"
SO
as the result of p a t i e n t labor a n d of w e l l - d i r e c t e d a p p l i c a t i o n , in early l i f e .
To
supply a n opportunity for such l a b o r , a n d give it p r o p e r guidance a n d d i r e c t i o n , is the
object of such institutions as t h i s .
^ * I n the construction of this great building a f t e r the p l a n s w e r e m a t u r e d , each
department of the labor w a s p a r c e l l e d out a n d d e t a i l e d .
To one m a s t e r w o r k m a n w a s a l l o t t e d
the quarrying of the s t o n e , to another the l a y i n g of this in m a s s i v e w a l l s ; one made
b r i c k , a n d another b u i l t them into inside p a r t i t i o n s a n d chimneys; then came the r o o f e r s ,
the c a r p e n t e r s , the p l a s t e r e r s , the p a i n t e r s a n d g l a z i e r s , the p l u m b e r s , a n d , l a s t l y , o u r
skilful a n d energetic e n g i n e e r , who w a r m e d and l i g h t e d the h o u s e .
So in the scheme of
education w e now p r o j e c t , w e shall n e e d a division of labor; a n d no one w o r k m a n can be
spared without rendering the whole
c
incomplete.
"*Six lines of study run through our w h o l e course; - these I m e n t i o n , not in
any a s s u m e d order of p r e c e d e n c e or i m p o r t a n c e , b u t each as filling a n equal a n d necessary
place in the general p l a n ; - M a t h e m a t i c s , N a t u r a l a n d P h y s i c a l S c i e n c e s , L a n g u a g e , H i s t o r y
a n d G e o g r a p h y , L i t e r a t u r e , Intellectual a n d M o r a l P h i l o s o p h y .
* "*Por instruction in M a t h e m a t i c s , a m p l e p r o v i s i o n has b e e n m a d e "hoth in the
organisation of the P r e p a r a t o r y School a n d of the C o l l e g e .
A s t r o n o m y , its crowning
branch of S c i e n c e , can only b e a d e q u a t e l y taught to a d v a n c e d classes a n d b y the u s e of
apparatus n o t yet s u p p l i e d , b u t w h i c h , we doubt n o t , w i l l b e p r o c u r e d w h e n there are students p r o p e r l y p r e p a r e d to explore the regions of s p a c e .
D u r i n g the p r e s e n t session w e
expect to enjoy the p r e s e n c e , for a l i m i t e d t i m e , of the eminent P r o f e s s o r of A s t r o n o m y
in Vassar C o l l e g e , M a r i a M i t c h e l l , who w i l l give a short course of lectures to our s t u d e n t s .
"•Natural History and C h e m i s t r y , w h i c h go h a n d in h a n d w i t h the M o d e m
Science
of P h y s i c s in interpreting the p h e n o m e n a a n d forms of the m a t e r i a l u n i v e r s e , h a v e recently taken a m u c h higher p l a c e than formerly in c o l l e g i a t e i n s t r u c t i o n .
A more
enlightened
appreciatioh of the true relations of g e n e r a a n d species has m a d e B o t a n y , Mineralogy,Comparative A n a t o m y , P h y s i o l o g y and k i n d r e d b r a n c h e s exceedingly v a l u a b l e , as teaching h a b i t s
of accurate observation a n d c o m p a r i s o n , w h i l e p r e p a r i n g the student to appreciate a n d
understand the material w o r l d _ w i t h w h i c h w e a r e s u r r o u n d e d .
* • C h e m i s t r y , a p a r t from innumerable p r a c t i c a l a p p l i c a t i o n s , has its uses as a n
incentive t o , and discipline o f , the powers of invention a n d t h o u g h t .
There is scarcely
an art p u r s u e d a s the result of our a d v a n c e d civilization but is p r o m o t e d b y chemical
7
knowledge.
The f a r m e r , the m a n u f a c t u r e r , the m e r c h a n t , a n e ^ l a w y e r a n d the p h y s i c i a n is
each a i d e d in h i s calling, b e s i d e b e i n g g r e a t l y elevated in his conceptions of the p e r fection of Nature's l a w s , b y this science of experiment and a n a l y s i s .
£
••The sciences of observation a n d c l a s s i f i c a t i o n a r e b e s t a d a p t e d to pupils in
the P r e p a r a t o r y S c h o o l , a n d of these B o t a n y , a s p e r t a i n i n g to objects everywhere accessible, w i l l claim a prominent p l a c e ; our surrounding h i l l - s i d e s w i l l furnish in season a
great variety of s p e c i m e n s , and their collection a n d p r e s e r v a t i o n w h o l e s o m e recreation
from m o r e sedentary e m p l o y m e n t s .
A course o n Z o o l o g y , b y a n enthusiastic a n d competent
l e c t u r e r , w i l l occupy a p o r t i o n of the time a l l o t t e d to N a t u r a l H i s t o r y , d u r i n g the next
session.
C
"""In a t t e m p t i n g to impart instruction in Chemistry a n d P h y s i c s , a s p a r t of an
Elementary Course of E d u c a t i o n , great care is required not to decrease their value as
means of developing habits of scientific a c c u r a c y .
T h e y cannot b e p r o f i t a b l y p r e s e n t e d
as studies -until their wonderful n u m e r i c a l relations can b e fully a p p r e c i a t e d , nor can they
take a h i g h p l a c e in E d u c a t i o n u n l e s s taught p r a c t i c a l l y .
H e n c e our p l a n s include a
laboratory for Chemical A n a l y s i s a n d for the p r a c t i c e of P h o t o g r a p h y - a m o d e r n art of
such great u t i l i t y , and so a d m i r a b l y a d a p t e d to furnish y o u n g p e o p l e w i t h congenial emp l o y m e n t , that f o r its introduction w e shall only a w a i t the m e a n s to p u r c h a s e the n e c e s s a r y
apparatus.
c
"*To our less a d v a n c e d c l a s s e s , I p r o p o s e to g i v e instruction of a k i n d pe-
culiarly a d a p t e d as a preparation for systematic scientific s t u d y .
It w i l l consist of
a description of the p r o p e r t i e s , s o u r c e s , a n d u s e s of familiar t h i n g s , organic and inorganic, natural a n d a r t i f i c i a l .
To the student w h o should fail thereafter to p r o s e c u t e
the classified or scientific study of Chemistry a n d N a t u r a l H i s t o r y , this will at least
3Q4
Sir-
i ^
£
£ive a k n o w l e d g e of m a n y p o i n t s in connection w i t h objects surrounding h i m , imparting
Interest to them throughout his l i f e .
H e r e , m e n t i o n should b e m a d e of the n e c e s s i t y , in
such a college a s this, of cabinets of N a t u r a l H i s t o r y , so extensive as to enable teachers
fully to illustrate their l e c t u r e s , a n d to present to the eye of the s t u d e n t , types of
:reation in its varied f o r m s .
T o w a r d this end w e h a v e a l r e a d y some c o n t r i b u t i o n s , not
pet a r r a n g e d ih our m u s e u m , embracing m i n e r a l s , s h e l l s , a n d specimens illustrative of
Jeology, B o t a n y , a n d other departments of N a t u r a l S c i e n c e .
A collection of 4 0 0 specimens
f
>f the b i r d s , q u a d r u p e d s , a n d retiles of C h e s t e r C o u n t y , Pa.., p r e p a r e d b y our friend
A
)r. E z r a M i c h e n e r , h a s b e e n secured to the C o l l e g e , through the l i b e r a l i t y of Edward
ioopes, - a n o t h e r a d d e d to the numerous obligations u n d e r w h i c h h e h a s p l a c e d u s .
^ I n s t r u c t i o n in the g m c i e n t a n d m o d e r n languages is e s t e e m e d a n important p a r t
>f our c o u r s e .
In studying,the symbols by w h i c h the m i n d of m a n in a l l a g e s has a t t e m p t e d
;o communicate w i t h its f e l l o w s , w e study the m i n d itself in its v a r i o u s stages of devel>pment.
A s the geologist examines fossils deposited vast a g e s ago u p o n the surface of
)ur p l a n e t , so the p h i l o l o g i s t labors over the obscure tracks of Iranian thought r e v e a l e d
Ln fossil w o r d s ; d e a d in themselves a s to any a p p a r e n t u t i l i t y , b u t full of vitality
is illustrating the progress of the m i n d of m a n .
It h a s b e e n well said that he who
thoroughly m a s t e r s a new l a n g u a g e , thereby a c q u i r e s twice the ma.stery of h i s o w n , a n d
throughout the rest of h i s l i f e , in u s i n g the n o b l e g i f t of s p e e c h , w h i c h m o s t distinguishes
is from the l o w e r a n i m a l s , he is, to say the l e a s t , a r i c h e r a n d m o r e cultivated m a n for
rnving
in his y o u t h enjoyed this p r i v i l e g e ,
c.
"*>To combine obvious u t i l i t y , a s m u c h a s m a y b e , w i t h the m e n t a l drill w h i c h
the study of language a f f o r d s , we h a v e p a r t i a l l y r e p l a c e d the so-called dead languages w i t h
those of n a t i o n s with w h i c h w e are in frequent i n t e r c o u r s e , a n d w h i c h a r e largely represented on the A m e r i c a n c o n t i n e n t .
O f the m o d e r n l a n g u a g e s , the student m a y p u r s u e F r e n c h
and German; of the a n c i e n t , Greek, and L a t i n .
The last m e n t i o n e d , u n i v e r s a l l y recognized
as an indispensable requisite to a thorough k n o w l e d g e of our own t o n g u e , is required
3S4
88
tf-x-1
during a p a r t of our course; tiue rest a r e , u n d e r certain R e s t r i c t i o n s , e l e c t i v e .
* * T h e studies of History sfnd of E n g l i s h Litergraire a r e p e c u l i a r l y appropriate
;
to a system of a d v a n c e d e d u c a t i o n , and w i l l extend throughout our seven yeai*£
course.
History traces the development of m a n k i n d , from the earliest p e r i o d of w h i c h we have any
account, step by step, to its p r e s e n t condition; p o i n t s to individuals, n a t i o n s , a n d
events, a s landmarks on the long road; a n d especially p r e s e n t s the manifest overruling of
a P r o v i d e n c e , w h o , for his own g o o d p u r p o s e , evolves results u n l o o k e d for by finite v i s i o n .
It w i l l readily b e seen that y e a r s of careful i n v e s t i g a t i o n w o u l d b e required for a subject so u n i v e r s a l .
The teacher can only serve as a g u i d e , p a u s i n g a t the important stop-
ping-places, calling a t t e n t i o n to the p e r i o d s that h a v e most a f f e c t e d the w o r l d ' s p r o g r e s s , .
and, above a l l , exciting a n interest a n d spirit of r e s e a r c h , that in a f t e r y e a r s , with
toore time a t command than can b e g i v e n in the m o s t e x t e n d e d collegiate c o u r s e , w i l l lead
to a comprehensive v i e w of the h i s t o r y of the r a c e .
< * T h e Geography of a country b e i n g so closely connected w i t h its h i s t o r y , the
student w i l l a l w a y s be required to study a n d recite w i t h m a p s , w h i c h are quite as essential
as t e x t - b o o k s .
A n d now that the a r t s of engraving a n d p h o t o g r a p h y b r i n g u s into immediate
relation w i t h other c o u n t r i e s , w e h o p e , by the thoughtful kindness of f r i e n d s , to h a v e portfolios of views and portraits to i l l u s t r a t e each s u b j e c t , h e i g h t e n i n g thereby the impression p r o d u c e d .
^
Ls.
/ • / r i/—
"*The study of the ^Literature of our own l a n g u a g e will claim the a t t e n t i o n of
the s t u d e n t , not only as a means of intellectual g r o w t h , b u t also as a refining influence
upon the taste a n d imagination.
T h r o u g h the art p r e s e r v a t i v e of all a r t s , we are p l a c e d
in communication w i t h highly-gifted m i n d s of o u r own a n d p a s t eras; a n d if w e have the requisite taste a n d cultivation, m a y w a n d e r w i t h p o e t s a n d p h i l o s o p h e r s through the E l y s i a n
groves w h i c h their genius a n d cultivation have enabled them to create; we m a y , at small
cost, e m b e l l i s h our common-place lives w i t h the companionship of the great and g o o d , and
fill up the intervals of toil w i t h p u r e a n d p r o f i t a b l e intellectual e n j o y m e n t s .
The ele-
vating p u r s u i t s of literature are too m u c h ignored b y m a n y p a r e n t s grown old in the toil
and. bustle of life; the children of many of these will bring back w i t h them from
Swarthmore, a fund of literary w e a l t h , w i t h which to adorn and refresh thejr h o m e s .
*"*In the midst of the flood of l i t e r a t u r e , good and b a d , which the newspaper
and magazine are ever distributing, it is fitting that Education, w h i c h , in this country, teaches all to read, should in its m o r e advanced stages, furnish the taste and discrimination necessary to distinguish that which is worthless or p e r n i c i o u s , from that
;which is wholesome a n d improving,
*"*The department of Intellectual a n a Moral P h i l o s o p h y , w h i c h is approached
;
w i t h great deference in a n Institution but just stepping into the ranks of advanced edu c a t i o n , will be appropriately p r e c e d e d in the several classes now organized by such iivstructions, in the elements of morality as are appropriate to the m e n t a l development of
each.
Swarthmore College w o u l d , p e r h a p s , never have been built but for the dee^-seated
;conviction in the minds of its founders that intellectual culture is only valuable as
it is joined with influences calculated to mould the character into forms of purity and
truth.
The Society of Friends chiefly a i m s , by its system of training, to develop the
innate germs of truth and goodness implanted by the Creator in every s o u l .
A s these
are cultivated and g r o w , their effect is to choke out the weeds which would otherwise
mar and deface the garden of the h e a r t , preventing the perfect development of that fruit
which is to nourish uo the soul unto eternal l i f e .
T o this outlineTTf /our system of training, I might add m u c h w h i c h , p e r h a p s ,
needs to he s a i d .
If time a l l o w e d , I should speak of the opportunities which w e already
p o s s e s s , and others which are in p r o s p e c t , for every one entrusted to our care to enjoy,
naturally and spontaneously, wholesome exercise, free play of the m u s c l e s , and plenty of
fresh a i r , essential to the complete success of a n y educational s y s t e m ,
r
(^A^ajrv^x. Zraj^^tcvS^J
" I n concluding thes-e remarks, an allusion to myself and the position I
occupy as the head of this Institution will b$ in p l a c e .
If I have labored without ceas-
ing, a n d , as some m a y have thought, too zealously, in the great work of creating this
3G4
34 It . a
College, it has "been from a constant sense of duty to the cause of sound education,
and from a sincere love of the principles which underlie the movement, and since the
judgnent of my nearest friends and this Board of Managers has accorded with m y own
conviction that I am to he yet further devoted to it, I h a v e , with the sympathy and
support of my companion in life, accepted the cares, responsibilities and privations involved in a residence here, which, albeit, are not without their compensations, in congenial pursuits and the society of cultivated and refined associates; and trusting to the
guidance and support of the overruling Providence, who shapes our destinies and rules
our hearts, if we give ourselves to serve his cause, I accept this k e y , ready at any
time to yield it to a successor when it shall appear that I am incompetent or unworthy
to hold it.
^Tolon D . Hicks, of New Y o r k , being introduced, spoke as follows!
••FRIENDS, CONTRIBUTORS, AND PATRONS OF SWARTHMORE COLLEGE;
I have been re-
quested to speak in behalf of the managers and contributors of New York - that we might
join in the general rejoicing that we must all feel this day in the opening of this college.
The hopes we have long cherished, and the expectations which inspire u s , should
«
f^nd today their appropriate expression.
^ JHlty friends, in making this request of m e , certainly could not have been influenced in the choice by any special qualification that I possess for the service, being
one of the youngest of the Board of Managers, and but little practiced in speaking.
It
nevertheless
is perhaps fitting that a representative voice from the more youthful class
should be h e a r d .
A s such, and claiming your kind indulgence, I will venture to make a
few brief remarks.
^••'It is but proper that we should acknowledge,on this occasion, the uniform
courtesy and spirit of co-operation which our Pennsylvania friends have extended towards
us of New Y o r k .
I might say, in perfect truth, that we have known', in the establishment
of this college, no State limits, or local prejudices, to mar our progress, and as we have
•v--"-
begun, I trust we shall continue.
^ '
^-.Tr-v—
.^L^
'
f":
S04
i-. '
—36,
I'
The general claims of education, its indispensability,
and the urgent demands of our age, have been so often and ably stated, that any further
remarks from cie would seem unnecessary, yet, as we view things from the stand-point of
our individuality, we are sometimes constrained to offer them, at the risk of their seeming
superfluity.
C
*Tn adding this college to the list of hundreds already established in our
country, we but recognize a common need, and the number of pupils that are here to-day
amply attest that we have not provided for a demand that did not exist, but we have furnished in Swarthmore a college with certain distinctive peculiarities.
Besides the general
matter of education, according to the most approved methods of the times, we have superadded a system for the joint education of the sexes, carrying out the principle we have
long recognized in our Society of equal rights, not for all m e n , but for all men and women.
We not only propose to give them equal opportunities for culture, but equal rewards and
honors, as a measure for their attainments.
the natural order of our lives.
In this joint education we will but imitate
Observation abundantly teaches us that the greatest
happiness, the highest moral and social attainments, are produced by the joint influence
of the two sexes.
Acting and reacting on each other, a healthful stimulus will be felt
that will not only facilitate study and aid in government, but tend to preserve the home
influence.
We hope in so doing to prepare the mind of the students of Swarthmore with a
more correct idea of social life, so that when they leave the college and go out into the
world, they will do it under circumstances more favorable for their best interests than
could have been had their education been separate.
We undertake this peculiarity of our
scheme of instruction with confident expectations of the best results.
C
-*0ur college, associated ty name with Friends, and established by them and those
in sympathy with their views, might be expected to be sectarian in its character, and in
one sense it may be so; but in another, a broader and more correct one, we trust it will
not b e .
We have no creed,
no confession of faith, or formalism in worship.
We propose
far as practicable, to influence the students in the recognition of general principles of
so
S©4
26* ^-f- 3 j
if well-doing; that each individual is sovereign in his responsibility to the higher law
>f his Creator, manifested in his own heart, f r o m the dictates of which spring all the
Christian virtues; leaving all questions of theology for individual judgment, and dis:laiming the right of any to dictate,
f
* T h i s we claim to be too broad for sectarianism, and we trust the students of
Swarthmore will leave its walls impressed with principles which all their after-knowledge
m d reflection will only deepen and confirm, but never contradict.
We will endeavor
to establish principles and leave the application to individual minds, knowing well that
In their application they must needs assume diversity of forms, from the fact that our
reliefs are :.iore a matter of inheritance, and a result of surrounding influences, than
?„ny distinct creation of our own.
c
*There is happily a growing recognition of the intimate connection between
luman thought and human society.
Give the right impulse to the one, and the other follows,
3.s a natural sequence.
^ * H o w far these anticipations shall be realized, and the minds of the students
irakened to a love of knowledge, and trained by the best methods for its acquisition, will
Largely depend on the President, professors , and their assistahts.
In the selection of
the President the managers have chosen one of middle age in life, neither wanting in
the ripening influence of time nor crystallized by the conservatism of age - a man of the
times.
We trust he and his assistants will meet the wants of the d a y .
'"•^We do not doubt they are all influenced by the best intentions, but success
will depend more on how scrupulously they become students of the situation, and careful
observers of the phenomena of daily experience.
When we consider the ever-widening fields
of knowledge, the new secrets that nature is constantly revealing to those who patiently
and diligently seek her truths, added to all that has preceded it, the responsibility of
instructors becomds manifest - for at most our education must be now, more than ever
before, but a guide, a start to future attainments - and our school days must be considered
BQ4
25V
, , .
more as ail apprenticeship to the labors of after life.
C
* T h e wants we are providing for now will exist in the future no less than
the present.
May Swarthmore become the foster mother to thousands who will seek her halls,
is the hope that inspires us to-day, and looking down the vista of coming years, we also
7
hope it may he said, we huilded better than we k n e w .
& k t the close of this address!, W m . Dorsey, a member of the Board of Managers,
who has been prominently connected with the organization from its origin, made an extemporaneous address, in which he gave the moral and religious aspect of Swarthmore College,
c
stating that the pure teachings of Jesus Christ must be the basis of its religious training - that a character to be perfectly developed must be formed on the pattern laid down
in the New Testament.
With this groundwork, the mission of the College could not fail
to be blessed, and those who shall leave its walls will carry with them an influence for
good wherever their lot mavj>e cast.
, , )
h
"1
l u c r e t i a Mott expressed her deep interest in the College, and her hope that
fi.
it would never degenerate into a m^re sectarian school, but that its teachings would be so
• comprehensive and free from theological b i a s , that those who receive them will be prepared
*3r— The pamphlet gives the following report of William Dorsey's remarks (probably revised
by himself): "He commenced by saying that it was with no ordinary emotion that he viewed
the result of the labors of the past eight years, in this building, 5early completed, and
already tenanted by so many of the class for whom it was erected; and in continuation,spoke
nearly, as follows:
'I desire to say that this College had its origin in a deeply settled conviction that it
wfis essential to the preservation of our Society relations, that our youth should be enabled
to obtain an education according to the demands of the advanced civilization of the age under the guarded religious care of friends.
*During the past thirty years, while we have been deliberating as a Society upon this great "
necessity, many of our youth, who have sought to obtain in various institutions of learning
which surround us the education we were unable to supply, have gone from us not to return,
and have thus been lost to us in an associated capacity. Now we have a College under our
own control, the diploma of which, we hope, will some day be equal to those of the best institutions
of learning in the land.
l
Allusion has been made by the last speaker to the subject of theology. It is true we do
not recognize it as a branch of education,technically speaking,and although it may be said
we have no written creed like unto the sects, we have a"*"belief, a deep, abiding faith,based
up<3n the Divine precepts and holy life of the Son of God, in their pure and simple integrity,without the manipulations of m a n . We believe that building upon this foundation can
alone perfect the human character, and hope by this means t9 send from these walls all those
committed to
our care so trained that they shall be known in the world as honest men and
womeib, bearing the fruits of purity and h
o
l
i
n
e
s
s
,
,
£364-
to recognize good wherever
found.
I
The voice of Truth is so plain, and so universally
applicable, that all may hear it in their own tongue in which they were h o r n .
She also
referred to the skepticism which sometimes grows out of the study of Science when unaccompanied by religious faith, and feelingly recited the following lines of Cowper:
. . . Sever yet did philosophic tube
That brings the planets home into the eye
Of observation, and discovers, else
Hot visible, His family of world?,
Discover Him that rules them; such a veil
Hangs over mortal eyes, blind from the b i r t h ,
And dark in things divine.
Full often, too,
Our wayward intellect, the more we learn
Of Nature, overlooks her Author more;
From instrumental causes proud to draw
Conclusions retrograde and mad mistake.
But if His word once teach u s , shoot a ray
Through all the heart's dark chambers and reveal
Truths undiscovered but by that holy light,
Then all is p l a i n . Philosophy, baptized
In the pure fountain^ of eternal love,
Has eyes indeed; and viewing all she sees
As meant to indicate a God to m a n ,
>
students should withdraw at this stage of the meeting.
Before doing so they w e r e addressed
by Samuel Willets, nearly as follows:
»I have been much interested in beholding the countenances of the students
now before m e , and hope they will act well their p a r t , that they m a y by industry and attention
prepared to discharge the important and responsible duties of the family, the
neighborhood and the State, which duties will soon devolve upon them.
And I hope that in
their intercourse with each other, and with the professors and teachers, their actions may
be marked by love and kindness toward a l l , and that they will render prompt and cheerful
compliance with all the rules and regulations of this Institution, thereby making their
residence here pleasant and agreeable to themselves and to those who have charge of them.
And to the President, Professors and Teachers - I hope that you will administer the
affairs of this College with great firmness, tempered by kindness and love, - remembering
3©4
J-/-
| that the mercy-seat was to cover the judg&ent seat to an hair's b r e a d t h .
""^Friends, no?/ let us retire in silence to our own minds, and see if we
cannot feel grateful to the Author of all good for the progress we have been able to m a k e ,
and to crave assistance to finish the work.'
time of reverent silence followed, in which W m . Dorsey appeared in prayer,
iA
devoutly imploring the Divine blessing upon the College and all its officers and students.
•^[n dismissing the students, the Chairman said: "'And now, 0 Father!
We pray
i
\ that the blessing of Heaven may rest upon this Institution; on its President, on the
I
| Professors and Teachers, on its household, and upon us a l l . Ainen.*
\
|
<**The coriroany remaining were asked to consider the financial necessities of the
i
| College, which are still great, - the funds heretofore subscribed being barely sufficient
I to fit the building for u s e , leaving much of the furniture yet to be provided for, and the
i
| grounds to be planted.
A gymnasium, chemical laboratory, library, museum of natural his-
f tory and the a r t s , astronomical observatory,and other necessities of an institution of
| liberal learning, - all remain to be supplied by the contributions of those who have means
• to devote to objects of public beneficence.
|
'
sufficient to meet all the immediate necessities of the College; but the time of starting
of the train being near at hand, the company was obliged to separate without a sufficient
sum being subscribed to warrant any additional expenditure for promoting the educational
I facilities of the College
The paiaphlet quotes this prayer as follows: "William Dorsey implored the Divine blessing in nearly the following language:
'Almighty F a t h e r , deeply sensible that we cannot accomplish any good work without thy a i d ,
we ask that thy blessing may rest upon our efforts and secure the fulfilment of this great
work. Be with those especially, we pray thee, upon whom rests the responsibility of training the minds of the children committed to our care. Hear thou their secret prayers and
clothe them with wisdom profitable to direct in all things. Pour out of thy Snirit upon
their spirits and upon those of the children - so that their lives may show forth thy
glory, and theirs be the blessed reward, to enjoy thee forever?"
6
8 0 4
ft
^
?he Inaugural Address of President Parrish delivered on this occasion is of poignant in~
ierest.
Its entire appropriateness, j^its deep sincerity and religious fervor, rising at
simes to true eloquence, and its far-reaching grasp of many of the varied educational
jroblems connected with this new and unique institution, set a high stamdard for similar
m d subsequent addresses.
Although brief in comparison with its scope, it managed to
stress the necessity of establishing a Quaker college, even though practical conditions
required temporarily a preparatory school connected with it.
It included also a masterly
survey of the proposed course of study, embracing^athematics and ^stronomy, the ^jysical
Sciences and photography, tjqjo ancient and three modern languages, ^istory and g e o g r a p h y .
Snglish j^iterature, philosophy and j^thics, together with a glance at Was-recreation and
physical exercise in an ideal environment designed to develop mens sana in corpore sano.
& jL.
He had given until quite recently! before the Priends' Social Lyceum many
Lectures on scientific subjects, and had been responsible for republishing scientific
articles and addresses in recent volumes of the Intelligencer.
But with his keen inter-
est in the physical sciences, he showed a discriminating appreciation of the social
sciences also.
It may have been Professor Magill who contributed to the Intelligencer
for 6th. Month 20, 1868,
a review of a book on education and copious extracts from it
xLt- afjutliMl'.a. fyvvhoipfJ^V^*
>n "The Study of Language"; but D r . Parrish's appreciation offhlm-a-na #'Ttofoooor Joseph
Fhomas was reflected in the emphasis he laid on languages, history, literature and philosophy.
John D . Hicks, the "younger" representative from Hew York, struck the keynote
3f full co-education, for which Swarthmore has always stood, and stated in explicit terms
the noiv-sectarian character of the college, coupled with its mission to develop principles
>f tight conduct.
Lucretia Mott, with "ruling motive strong in death", «aesi characteris-
tically repudiated for the college all man-made theology and enthroned the search for and
L— -[ Intelligencer. V o l . -SSv J>. 795.
2 - |Vol. 3k, p p . 248, 249.
©4
obedience to the Eternal T r u t h ^ thus supplementing Benjamin Hallowell's strong appeal
in his letter for reliance upon the Light W i t h i n .
The venerable chairman of the B o a r d ,
Samuel '.fillets, gave practical illustration of this last Quaker principle by closing the
general exercises with a period of "Quaker Silence."
The following letter 'from John G . Haviland
to his m o t h e r , Esther Underhill
Haviland, gives the contemporary impression of the Inauguration by a Friend and prosperous
business-man of New Y o r k City who attended iti
Swarthmore o p e n i n g ,
t h
11
To
Month 1 0
t h
1869
Mother
J. G. H.
^ S t a r t e d at 9
4 5
from 354 Broadway and took tieket for P h i l a 10 am train from Courtland
St on Ferry Boat met a M r Braddock Wife son and two Daughters starting on a winters tour
through the south
He is a retired D . G ^ M ^ c l ^ n t ^ . i v i n g on his income which is large
has let his house for the w i n t e r .
they took the same train to P h i l , a n d then on s o u t h .
Also met M r Stuart, the Banker Mr Fairchild importer & M r
in the Cuba which sails this P M .
S
e
of P h i l
a
all going out
Ed Merritt & John Willetts were the only ones for
besides myself on this B o a t .
In forward car found Saml W i l l e t t s . Robert Willetts
& wife John D Hicks & wife & son Chas Height & wife Hannah Haydoclc^ Trimble Lydia
Lockwood Chas Bunting Wm H Macy Josiah Macy J r
four hours brought u s to West P h i l
a
& some others
a pleasant ride of .about
JfqrA^LreAu^ra^. U
(At T r e n t o n E x Gov W a r d of New JerLey joined L ^ ) a
short w a l k of one block brought us to the West Chester R R Depot where w e found a Special
Train of five cars awaiting u s .
The cars were soon filled with a very goodly looking
John G . Haviland was born 1 2 t h . Month 2 5 , 1 8 2 9 , a n d died 9 t h . Month 5 , 1 8 8 2 . A t the
time he wrote the l e t t e r , he was in the wholesale dry-goods firm of H a v i l a n d , Lindsay
& C o . , 80 - 82 Chambers S t . , New Y o r k C i t y . His mother lived in Chappaqua, N . Y .
304 -
OS •
H-hf
company, and about two we started and after a half hours slow riding we arrived at West
Sale where were collected a large company of Parents Schllars & Interested ones from the
)epot to the College they have a board walk for two abreast which was more than filled
Ltnadiately after our arrival the Faculty proceded to the East of the College about two
lundred feet and there planted two oak trees the gift of Lucretia Mott and She assisted in
lolding them for setting out.- After which George Truman gave us a speech upon the propagation of the two oaks, that are now about ten feet h i g h .
The acorns
were planted by
rames and Lucretia in their grounds and raised for this special presentation.
.dent E d
d
Parrish Dilwin Parrish S a m
1
The pres-
Willetts and other leading men with hats off were
;aken in a group by the oaks in several different positions by an artist in a Photograph
!he New Yorkers were then called in to lunch which was served up in the Dining room it conV
listed of several kinds of cold meats an abundance of good bread butter coffee milk and crean
uid also good water which they have a plentiful supply of
after doing full justice to
;ables we next adjourned to the School room directly above the large dining room.
There
rere collected the 180 a£r children each seated in a. chair at their desks and as it is prolosed to seat them a boy and girl alternately.
The Faculty were seated at and about the
lesk on the platform with some other leading men and women, Saml Willetts. was chosen chairan of the meeting;.
1
On his left sat Ed* parrish and on his right Lucretia Mott W.H.Macy
iannah Haydock Gov Ward
W o o d Wm Dorsey & some twenty others were on the platform, the
lide seats and the galery were full.
S.W with a few remarks commenced proceedings by cal-
ling on the Chairman of the building committee to report, Hugh Mcllvane then took a stand
fcpon the platform and after a few remarks on the near completion of the building, he passed
*
the key ofcer to the Chairman which was gracefully accepted.
jletness^of the building as regards
H M c l . then spoke of the com-
fire and gass the heat is by steam aid the Boiler
rith the gass &ouse some one hundred feet from the main building.
He stated the amount that
lad been expended up to this time was two hundred and five thousand (205,000) some hundreds
)f dollars and then passed over the rect^- vouchers for the same a n d then withdrew.
The
£64-
I
chairman then called on the President for his address which was a very appropriate and well
delivered one. the key was then given him with a few pertinent remarks to which he replied in acceptance very happily.
scribers of New Y o r k .
John D . Hicks was then called to speak for the sub-
His address was a good one and very well delivered.
In both addres-
ses Hugh Mcllvane and Edward Hoopes were spoken of in the highest terms for the efficient
aid they had both given to the work of building the long to be remembered Swarthmore. It
was stated by
Dorsey that competent builders had estimated the cost of the y^uilding
at over $300,000 and he wished us all to know that to complete the college and furnish
it will need about $100,000 more money, so that the work of collecting must continue with
unabated zeal for some time to come
Lubretia Mott next had the floor she quoted from
her favourite Poet Cowper some few verses, made a few remarks took her seat and W ™ D 0 r s e y
followed with a prayer.
The chairman then gave
a standing prayer for the success of the
college, the separate endowment of the requisite qualifications for the President the
Professors Teachers and Schollars, which was most grand and impressing, The scholars
then left the room in their usual order. After which an attempt was -made to get subscriptions a few hundred was called out when the time for the special train having arrived the
gathering broke up and some hundreds left for the five P M special for P h i l
a
at seven
took train for Chesnut Hill with John R Price spent the night,at six next morning took a
look at his place of nine acres a fine place also drove through some beautiful places
nearby at 8 took train and home at
well pleased with the days doings.*"
It would appear from the paragraph in the above account devoted to the special
session at the erid(and its'financial appeal, that it was a grave misfortune to have the
audience hurry away to catch "a train for the city", as has happened^on innumerable later
but less important occasions.
The Board immediately resumed its financial task, doubtless
reflecting with a sigh^upon«a small portion at least of the ten million dollars which
George Peabody-, whose death occurred on 1 1 t h . Month 4 , 1859, had bestowed ujSon the cause
of education and the p o o r .
But although it would have welcomed la.rge gifts for the new
college, it endorsed the following appeal which appeared in the Intelligencer
in the
notice of George Feabody's death and benefactions:'
JfLet none as they read the abo^e narration of munificent charities, so worthy
the donor who had it in his power to bestow them, be tempted to despise the benevolence
rhich flows with equal generosity from less abundant coffers.
The scriptural record of the
widow's mites, should encourage the humblest to contribute, however small it may appear to
them, their share for the alleviation of suffering and want, and for the promotion of good,
[jet the rich hand forth of their abundance, and let not the 'two miles' be withheld. So
shall all who give 'in the name of a disciple'. even though it be but 'a cup of cold
vater,' receive 'a disciple's reward.'*
C $
The following notice^inserted in the Intelligencer for 11th. Month 2 7 , 1869:
'Swarthmore College.
To make the necessary preparations for the Second Term of Swarth-
Qore College, it is indispensable that all moneys due it be promptly p a i d .
'Friends would greatly facilitate this matter and aid the Managers by forwarding,
it an early day, the amount of all subscriptions remaining -unpaid.
HENRY M . LAING, Treasurer,
30 North Third St., Fhilada."
The Board also believed that an increase in the number of pupils would increase
Lts financial resources, and began soon afterwards (1st. Month 8, 1870) to advertise for
ipolicants for the school's second term, and for the payment of their dues.
The following
u
.s a typical notice:/
"Those desiring to enter students on the opening of the second term,
rill please address the undersigned at once, as the number to be received is limited.
In
>rder to be properly classified, students should be at the College punctually on the
lornihg of Third-day, 1st of Second month.
Swarthmore College. 12th m o . 50th, 1863. . "
EDWARD PARRISH, Oakdale, P a .
The two terms of the college year included forty-two weeks, thus leaving ten
^TSV/.!
r, J^r^-i
. - V o l ^ S V ^ p . 586 -$7 (Cf. a l B o t e S J ^ S s ^ B . 334).
! - j A W U - a ^ f f l . 618.
*
'
i
26, p p . 713, 793, 810, 826.
jUr-^;
304
weeks for "the long vacation."
25. . IJ- lj-'O
Westtown School, the report of which to Fourth and
Arch Streets Yearly Meeting for 1869 is preserved among the Swarthmore papers, had a
Summer Term, thus eliminating all lo#g vacations; but during that term the number of
pupils was only 147 (72 boys and 75 girls), as against 218 (129 boys and 89 girls)
for the Winter Term.
The Haverfofd College Report for 1869 mentions for that institu-
tion "two vacations, one of three weeks succeeding the Winter Term, and one of nine
10
weeks following the Summer Term."'
While Friends of both branches still clung to short
and infrequent holidays for their boarding-schools, they made a distinction in favor of
their colleges, as is evident from the above facts and from an article reprinted in the
Intelligencer
from the Boston Transcript, which was doubtless approved by the editors
?<
and ,which reads as follows;'
^®Long School Holidays are now exciting attention in
land as well as in this country.
Eng"*
The Spectator recently said that school holidays 'have
increased, are increasing, and ought to be diminished.'
This brought out a correspondent
who ventured to suggest that however reasonable may be dissatisfaction with the present
state of things, there is one important consideration to which writers have hardly done
justice.
It is the effect of the vacations upon the teachers.
The writer says:
^ ^ I t is, for the boys' sake, of the very greatest importance that the masters
should teach with freshness of mind and in good spirits; and yet these are constantly endangered by the monotony of school-life.
There are other callings, no doubt, which in-
volve much more monotonous employment than that of the teacher, but those who follow them
have not so delicate a task as working on the mind and character of the young. Schoolteaching is a thing quite by itself. In i ^ m e c h a n i c a l regularity it is like many humble
occupations, and yet it differs from them all in this, that the quality of the work turned
out depends almofct entirely On the personality of the worker.
If a master could be made
into a machine for putting knowledge into boys as a printer becomes a machine for putting
words into type, you might apply the most strictly economical rules and get as much work out
J® "Jf -
Haverford had this year an average of 52 students.
V o l . -SS^ p . 624.
-
441
-
f him as possible; but this cannot b e , and as soon as you have extracted more than a. very
oderate amount, you will find that the work suffers in quality as much as it gains in
uantity.
^Teachers are accused of being ^ialf-times.Jfr» I fepr statistics would not bear
*
A—
his out, and I am inclined to think the boys in England ore injured rather by their
asters working too much than too little.
I agree that a great distinction should be
rawn between day-schools and boarding-schools, but in the latter, at all events, we ought
o have a liberal allowance of holidays.
Many large boarding-schools are in the country,
here the masters are almost cut off from social intercourse.
The consequence is that
heir occupation has a very narrowing and often a very depressing effect upon them.
In
ome schools there is no regular break between the beginning of February and the end of
oly, and during the last half of this period the masters find their work much more trying
lan during the first half.
>
The boys seem to them less easy to teach, and they seem to
ae boys far more irritable.
The more liberal view of vacations was adopted, for the sake of both instructors
ad students, by the founders of Swarthmore College, who provided for about thirteen
eeks' vacation; anct\iabout tin .yftftg 1900, vacations (Christmas, spring and summer) were
ctended to include about eighteen weeks each y e a r .
College
Discipline
It was a source of much regret at the Inauguration exercises that Martha E.Tyson
>uld not be present, or that a letter from her could not be read.
Like the other origi-
stor of the college, Benjamin Hallowell, she had written a letter for the occasion; but
le following correspondence explains thrt (although not exactly why) it was neither read
: the exercises nor published subsequently.
Her first letter was written two days before
72
le Inauguration; and three days after it, she wrote again, as follows:
I - The original of this letter is in the possession of Henry C . Parrish: see infra, p .
-
441- j?
-
j~Martha Tyson's CriticisnTj
Idward Parrish
^ D e a r Friend - By the kindness of William Dorsey, we have rec'd the papers
;iving the details of the Inauguration of Swarthmore College, which we read with interest,
:
I greatly regret that it was not in my power to witness the ceremonies & listen to the
iutno^Lring
good, from those who sjioke on the occasion.
Thy address & that of thy coadjutor J D Hicks, are excellent & leave us nothing
;o desire in their w a y , & I doubt not thejothers alluded to in the account were equally to
;he p o i n t .
I wish there had been a little more time allowed, - the ceremonies were not
luite complete without something from Baltimore Yearly Meeting, by the voice of some of
.ts members then present.
On enquiring how such a thing had happened I learned that there
ras no time for it - Supposing such to have been the case, the inconvenience which will
lereafter be experienced should the reunions of the Friends of Swarthmore be held, fit
;his season of the y e a r , offers a. weighty argument in favor of a change in this respect to
73
i season when the days r.re longer.
There is another subject to which I regret to call
;hy attention, because of the many pressing cares which surround thy position, as President
>f a College - but as thou ark. aware of the great importance I attach to the establishment,
[ believe thou wilt excuse the liberty I take.
74
After E . B . Smith
had gone on with her daughter, I learned from a friend inter-
ested in the cause, that the intercourse between the pupils of the different sexes was
almost constant - that they ate all their meals together - walked together in the corridorsh a good deal more of similar promiscuous intercourse.
On my daughter's return, I made
lse of the first private opportunity which occurred, to ask her if the report were not a.
Fabrication, & learned that it was all true - an assertion I was pained to h e a r , believing
that if the practice is continued, in direct violation of the ideas of propriety which
Influence the people, that no good can be hoped for from such a system.
I have been told
that
letters Day"is
addressed
the President
72, - the
"Founders'
now tocelebrated
about oftheSwarthmore
28th. of College
October.on the occasion of the
- Elizabeth Brooke Smith, of Baltimore, a daughter of Martha Tyson, and s member of
the Board of Managers, 1867-70, 1871-72.
74
441 - £
nauguration would be published in the Friends Intelligencer - please do not have mine of
h e 8th printed, - not because I would recall any of the sentiments it contains, but I
.0 not wish it to be made public.
very respectfully
thy friend,
Martha E.Tyson
Saltimore 11th month 13th
1869.
D r . Parrish evidently respected the last request in Martha Tyson's letter, for
.t was not published, in the Intelligencer's Supplement, or in any other account of the Intugnation.
Our lack of it is especially deplorable because of the critical note struck
.n the second letter, which would doubtless have been far more than counterbalanced by
;he praise in her first one.
To advancing age and to the influence exerted by her
laughter and her friend, Ellen Riley, we may attribute a conservatism which was not at all
:haracteristic of the marked liberality and fearlessness of her m i n d .
That her criticism
?as disturbing, though not convincing, to President Parrish and the Swarthmore faculty,
75
Is evident from the following letter:
75 -
The original of this letter is in the possession of Henry C . Parrish: see infra, p .
a,
Swarthm6re College
11 m
1 9 . 1869
My Dear Friend
Martha E Tyson
In the midst of inaiqy cares and engagements thy letter of the 13" came to
m e and cast a shade over a day of much activity & success - Our great School is moving
on most s a t i s f a c t o r i l y notwithstanding ©very thing is new and untried -
I have shown
thy letter to m y Colleagues and we have one of like import, as to its main topics from
Ellen Siley to our Matron - We cannot help feeling surprized that thy daughter if
sharing thy feelings on the subject did not ffixpress it to u s while here, among us,- 4he
%e£weea-eeheel-heu
We think that no one who is not
can
here and witnessing the discipline of the School ie-a4»-al4-€efap«4«a4-4e judge about it,
and as the chosen governors of the pupils Entrusted to u s , feeling the we4gfe4-e£-4h«
responsibility, I can say for ray Colleagues & myself that we are united in maintaining
the policy with which we started.
foreshadowed
This policy was d«ed3P4bed in the Essay written four years ago & published
with the Sanction of the Board of Managers of the College under the title of "Education
Hs-4e-4fe«*e~Sn in the following language
in the Society of Friends."
A.14-0u*-fla»e-hev«-be«a-6eae4e4e«4iy-«a*¥4e4-©ut-i-4fe»6-fa»,
the
ftwd- Our experience though short has vindicated-4feeir wisdom and expediency of this policy.
The disadvantages to which thy letter alludes have given us less trouble than would have
resulted from aay-eys4ea-«#-£6p4enage^isolation of the sexes from each other; their intercourse is almost Bntirely U n d e r the B y e of-Witchful teachers and caretakers who mingle
with them freely in the parlor, the hall and at table & participate in their Social intercasting
upon
natural & spontaneous
course and CnjoymentJ^without W i n g i n g any reserve or shyness w44h-*h«B»
/Conversation-undue
\j[n the few cases of forwardness or 4ad4ee?ee4 freedom of *™ +
^ft \
a
will be
vcttr admonition 4e
resorted to; a a d this has only heen found. necessary, thus far, in
which was
y ^ y ^ y — Qs&^tLsZ
;he single instance
lW^ii v n ' & ^ s ^ u d f t ^ e x y O ^ u r i g e Y \stv4eivt^.
They all know that
indue intimacy will not be allowed and appreciate that they come here not for Society
rat to learn, & improve themselves.
If this policy h a d not been amply tried before, it
has
rould be chargable with being an ffixperiment on our p a r t , it 4 e , however,
,
been practiced successfully in many large Schools for eeverel years past and many
>f the older & more Conservative Institutions whose officers have watched its operation
ire i-egiaaiag-te- introducft.*f it gradually instead of the old method of fixclusiveness In regard to the Inauguration, what thou saist about the time allowed for
;he Ceremonies is very true.
We could not lengthen the afternoon and if the morning had
seen fixed upon those coming from New York & Baltimore could not have reached the College
without starting the da.y before irTsing from no one offering
That Baltimore was not heard from was an oversight
as in the case of New Y o r k .
Thy very A c c e p t a b l e
Letter received just time fcnough beforehand, to b e put in the programme was omitted with
jne from Benj Hallowell, when we found there would be no time to add that feature to the
proceedings, I had however compiled them both for the printer before receiving thy last
Ijji feeld thine
in reserve in the hands of the Editors of the Intelligencer, in the
A
tiope that further reflection will induce thee to allow its publication in the pamphlet
ne shall issue.
With kind remembrances to thy family
Thy friend
441-5
The divergence of view in regard to the discipline of the college, revealed
in this correspondence, was quite deep-seated in those mid-Victorian days, especially
in the realm of coeducation; and its persistence was soon to lead to President
Parrish's resignation.
An anonymous newspaper article, published after his death,
gives the following explanation of the differing view-points: ^ P h i l a d e l p h i a has
rarely lost a citizen of purer£ character or more varied attainments than Edward Parrish.
As a philanthropist his record is abundantly verified in his heroic yet peaceful
death.
A s a teacher of science he had few superiors.
Familiar and easy in style,
attractive and not unfrequently eloquent, he secured and held the attention of his
he rers and pupils.
As an organizer of rare ability, his connection with Swarthmore
College furnishes an example, and the college sustained a loss by his resignation,
which it will continue to feel that it is difficult to replace. A s its president he
endeavored to illustrate in the methods of teaching ana discipline the highest type
of a gifted Christian teacher
* B u t , like many other scholars, and leaders, he found a want of appreciation
of the true principle of government, and a disposition to introduce into the college
the system of New England, for which he saw the Quqker element of the Middle States was
not adapted; he preferred to retire from the post he filled with such satisfaction to
the public, and such honor to the college.
^ S i s genius saw that the rigid, system of the puritans was inconsistent with
the more gentle system of Penn; and, failing to see the college grow into a- perfect
exhibition of the peaceable principles of the Society of Friends, as he intended it should,
he quietly retired from its service to his domestic business relations in Philadelphia.
His earnest sympathetic nature, however, could not resist the call of the government
tp be the exponent of the same pacific policy toward the Indians, and it was in the
fulfilment of this mission, which even the savages were able to appreciate and honor,
that he sacrificed his life.
441 -
6
president Parrish M m s e t f e , writing in his diary under the dates of
12/24.70 and l/l.72, gives a very intimate and confidential account of the growing
rift in the faculty as to the proper discipline of the school and college.
Professor
Magill, the principal of the preparatory School, had had nineteen years' experience
f
in New England schools and coll egejjj and, of especial significance, eight years of
admiring intimacy w i t h that Spartanj^head-master of the Boston Latin School, D r . Francis
Gardner.
At the beginning of tise Swarthmore's second y e a r , September, 1870, writes
D r . Parrish, "jfthere came a new professor selected by P r o f . Magill for his fitness to
control the boys in their dormitories and halls & taken 'round to our Committees &
Members of the Board who were all pleased with him & took him on Prof M's very strong
1%
recommendation - P r o f . Phillips,' an excellent Latin & German scholar & teacher who
has been for 8 years in Friends' School at Providence R I & as experience here abundantly shows, has formed, his ideas of discipline on that model - He has a gift for managing
boys, undoutbtedly,
albeit having a rather low estimate of human nature, & perhaps
too much disposition to indulge in suspicions on a very small foundation for them, he
has succeeded in shaking my faith sometimes in those whose characters experience
has shown us all were rather misjudged."^
Thus it was that, again and in different guise, the Puritan and the Quaker
ideals clashed, and led this time to the exile of its first Quaker president from the
Quaker college,
^
•M^ylL
fc
7T~I
'
/ L ^ u i l
* L
_
)
w ^ l l
tJuji
U
^
_
U
f
^
*JL
(U-*iajJLj
L
This was William B . Phillips, A . M . , who was professor of Greek and German in
Swarthmore from 1870 Jo 1872.
201 •• g?
The College and its preparatory department, having been formally opened on
11th. "onth 10, 1863, the Board began its report to the Corporation's sixth Annual Meeting, held in Race Street Meeting House on 12th. Month 7, 1869, with the following^
It
of thanksgiving:
"To the Stockholders.
The Board of Managers respectfully report that,
in view of the laborious and responsible task we have been so long engaged in, we have
cause to be thankful that we have, at length, been able to open the College and. to see
it in successful operation."
Since the expenditures upon the college at the end of 1869 had amounted to more
than $246,000, with an additional prospective expenditure of $28,000, the Board requested
the Corporation to increase the authorized capital stock to $300,000.
This request was
complied with, and the President and Board again assumed the unending task of procuring
the funds necessary for the maintenance and expansion of the institution.
With this financial burden, went others which are faintly shadowed forth in
1Q
I the following paragraphs of the President's report: ^ T h e r e are many difficulties incident
to beginning a large school, against which we have necessarily had to contend during the
I four weeks that have elapsed since the opening, yet the faculty have been a g r e e a b l y d i s appointed in the progress made by the several classes in their studies and by the order
and discipline which already prevails throughout.
This lias been
much promoted by the
influence of the sexes upon each other, by which many of the disadvantages usual in boardI ing school life are prevented.
The students, mho are measurably thrown together in the
intervals of their studies and recitations, conduct themselves sensibly and rationally,
with a just appreciation of their proper relations to each other.
Although, by division
of labor among the Professors, teachers and officers of the household, all the students
are under constant supervision, the wholesome public sentiment which prevails among the
I large majority has so influenceg^he discipline and order that instances have been rare in
•
334
which the direct exercise of authority has heen either necessary or desirable.
bo V - V - i
When,
however, it has been required, promptness and decision have always secured ready obedience
and respect.
The discipline of the school h a s , indeed, steadily improved since it wa-S
opened, and, it is confidently believed, will already compare favorably with that of any
institution of the kind with which we are acquainted.
^ W e have, up to this date, seven applications for admission at the opening of
next term, and one for a day scholar to be admitted at once.
^ T h e necessity of a gymnasium for boys has been very apparent, especially on
; those days when the weather or the softness of the grounds around the building have pre|
vented the usual out-door sports.
!
ifSo large a number of young men and boys should not be kept without abundant
means of physical exercise.
A few hundred dollars wo\xld enable u s to fit un a tempor-
n
ary gymnasium at once, and it would be highly appreciated by the students.
I
i ^ e have not felt justified ih the present state of our finances in making pro-
l vision for the arrangement of a library, of which we already have a nucleus by donatiohs.
j The want of miscellaneous reading matter is much felt among the students and teachers,
j We have need of cases for minerals, birds and other specimens of Natural History, which
i we already own, a n d , as y e t , have no apparatus for the illustration of lectures on Chem|
istry and the Natural and Physical Sciences, except a few pieces presented to us by our
s
I
friends.
* A s soon as the building shall be completed and furnished, the Board design
directing their energies toward making more ample provision for extended courses of instruction in all the departments included in our curriculum.
This will involve not only
t
|
the supply of specimens and apparatus, but the appointment of additional professors and
- In "the large second-story room in the laundry building", which could be used, w h e n "
1$0-teachers.'*
a separate gymnasium is provided, "as a work-shop in which the students may practice
appropriate handicrafts by the aid of the Steam Engine on the floor below"I
444
Chapter V .
The Bequest to Posterity
With such tasks and plans and hopes, Swarthmore College entered upon the first
generation of its career.
Its bequest from the founders included some truly noteworthy
educational ideals, some of them well thought through, others still somewhat nebulous,
and all of them still to be realized in the dust and toil of everyday application.
A Religious "Concern"
First and foremost, the college had sprung from a religious "concern".
In D r .
Parrish's first appeal in its b e h a l f ^ in 1860, he recalled the ancient custom of the
Society of Friends to support only those projects which arise out of a deeply religioxxs
impulse, from which alone flow adequate zeal and unselfishness.
D r . Magill expressed
the hope that none but prayerful hands should be placed upon the work, and that it
should await the moving of the Spirit to assure the workers that there was really this
task to be done and that they were called upon to do it.
Benjamin Hallowell and Martha
Tyson repeatedly invoked for the project implicit obedience to the Divine guidance as
revealed by the Light Within, through which alone human harmony and success could be
achieved and maintained.
Through it, the founders believed that the intellectual would
not be unduly exalted at the expense of the moral and religious faculties, but that the
mind, soul and body would be developed into a harmonious whole.
Higher Education for All
They stressed the two-fold principle that the individual should be developed to
the utmost extent of his powers, a n d that he should join with his fellow-Friends in serving society.
They cherished the hope that the new college would some time realize
fully "that beautiful principle of Christian equality which would give to every child
born into the Society an education commensurate with his powers, and at the expense of
the whol a r Martha Tyson was especially concerned that the children of the poor and of
the farming group of Friends - which was then predominant in the Society and in the country
at large - should be afforded, the best educational opportunities at moderate expense;
445
and she advocated a permanent fund to aid promising young people to obtain teachertraining.
D r . Magill, before the college opened, advocated the establishment of scholar-
ships for this purpose and depreca.ted the Cornell plan of paying wages to students for
services rendered, preferring that wage-earning should be postponed u n t i l after college
years, when from the enhanced income of life-work should be repaid the scholarships^enjoyed in college days.
When the college was o p e n e d , its charge for board and tuition
("including w a s h i n g . , the use of b o o k s , and all necessary expenses") was fixed at $3$0
for the college-yeai ofSjEhlxty four weeks; a n d this moderate charge was ma.de the same for
the higher as well as the lower school, in the hope that all the students would be induced to continue their studies through college.
The lack of a school for higher education in the "liberal" branch of the Society
was a prime reason for their founding such a. school which should combine advanced intellectual training, w i t h a "guarded"
education.
A ^ G u a r d e d ^ Education
This "guarded" education was by no means to be limited, they said, to enforcing
the "plainness of speech, deportment and apparel" prescribed in the traditional Disci/trt
Street,
p l i n e ^ Martha Tyson wrote strongly against the exaltation of "the m i n o r testimonies" of
the early friends, and especially of the Friends in the middle,"auietistic" period of
their h i s t o r y , into "the weightier matters of the l a w " .
Austere simplicity in dress,
the u s e of the "plain" language, a. regular attendance u p o n m e e t i n g s , a disregard, of some
conventional observances, she considered to be "good enough in their several relations,
1
but not capable in themselves of conferring grace upon those who practise them." Samuel
M . Janney plead for "simplicity", rather than "plainness"^ and interpreted simplicity of
language to mean the avoidance of extravagant expressions and the u s e of words which
would bear a stronger inference than the truth would warrant; while simplicity in attire
would m e a n the refusal to follow the vain and changing fashions of the w o r l d , which often
- Martha Tyson's wedding-gowns w e r e illustrative of this philosophy of dress. See
supra, p .
-frwrb^.
446
.nvolve those who furnish trie means for their indulgence in perplexity and pecuniary
mbarrassment, and^should prescribe clothing of no peculiar cut or color, hut the avoidance
'f extravagance and the opportunity for the exercise of good t a s t e . The Report of 1854
dvocated rules for the school which should include "simplicity of dress and address,
.nd moderate expenditure", thus permitting "more ample resources with which to do good";
m d it
strongly
deprecated the too prevalent emphasis laid by Friends u p o n "attendance of
leetings and a n adherence to plainness of dress a n d address w h i c h , instead of being looked
Lpon as the result of religion, are made so important a part of the test of b e i n g a Friend
;hrt they have come to be regarded by m a ly as b e i n g themselves religious principles* -
4.he distinguishing characteristics upon which our religion is basely"
Observing these
.iberal ideas, the Managers agreed in 1864 that "any restrictions u p o n the pupils in the
latter of dress should have reference to obviating unfavorable distinctions among them";
rhile plainness in speech and other particulars was tacitly left to the good sense a n d
8a,
ixample of the instructors.
Quakerism's "Testimonies"
What the founders particularly desired to guard against was the current "innova;ions upon the beauty and simplicity of fundamental Quaker beliefs"; a n d what they particularly desired to preserve and promote was their body of "precious testimonies which are
»oo often trampled under foot."
This menace came chiefly, they b e l i e v e d , from "the
Ignorance, prejudice and hostility to Friends' principles and testimonies too usually
"ound in the ill-equipped teachers p r o v i d e d in the public schools", and from neglect a n d
Indifference in the established colleges.
eryv
A m o n g the current "innovations" which they
3ingled out were the grj^ing habit of reading "light literature", and the growth of militarism ih schools and colleges.
The flood of fiction which the success of Scott and Dickens released in the form
3f inferior n o v e l s \ w a s sensed as a peril by the founders, who warned against the "increase
L-
The liberality of this policy m a y be the m o r e appreciated from the fact that one
well-known Friends' school prescribed at the end of the century that the width of the
girl p u p i l s ' sleeves should be no greater than that of a specified edition of the
Biblel
447
of publications calculated to excite the imagination and cherish false views of life";
and they denounced them as "deleterious to that purity of thought and action which the
Christian religion leads unto" and as unfitting "the mind for the contemplation of those
sublime truths which are recorded in the Holy Scriptures".
The text-books ordinarily
used in school were considered "in several important particulars not in accordance with
»
our principles; and the instructors and graduates of the new college, it was hoped, would
not only write congenial text-books for studfints, but also that "in the midst of this
reading age" they would fairly represent Quakerism in the world of letters.
The Menace of Militarism
ik
The menace of militarism in education was also particularly o m i n o u s ^ Martha
/
Tyson reminded Friends oh the §ve of the Civil Far that the test which the Revolutionary
War had imposed upon Quakerism had been withstood by leaders who had been trained in
peace-principles by the Friends' schools in Philadelphia.
In 1862, the founders of the
new school gave the t a m i n g that "the war spirit had penetrated almost every institution
m
in the land; the Public Schools are used as means of promoting the love of military glory,
and are increasingly engaged in teaching military drill to their pupils."
A n d as late as
1863-69,. one supporter of Swarthmore wrote; "Cornell University is holding out great inducements^ and it is truly a noble institution^ but shall Friends send their sons there
to have a gun put in their hand and be taught military tactics? If so, let them not afterwards complain if they deem it a duty to place it on their shoulder and go to the battlefield."
To guard the Quaker testimony for peace was one of the earliest and most enduring
motives of the founders of the Quaker college, and they confidently looked forward to its
ultimate triumph through an education which should make it one of the fundamentals of
civilization.
On June 21, 1864, when the artillery of Grant and the
Array
of the Potomac
were Jjombarding the outlying defenses of Richmond, a meeting of Friends on Swarthmore's
new campus, two years before the corner-stone of the first building was laid, applauded
an appeal to the instructors of the future that as they showed the gigantic bones of
585
ire-historic monsters which marked, an era of our earth unfit for human tread, they
hou.d inspire their students with the possibility that "war, the Mastodon, one day will
lark an era too."
The Training of Preachers
The possible training of preachers in the new college, to which most other colleges
a d set their hands, was a source of grave anxiety in the minds of Swarthmore's Quaker
lonstituents.
It was part of their conception of a "guarded education" that it should be
'ree from religious dogmas, and that it should not be based on the theory that intellectual
:ulture is essential to the clearest spiritual enlightenment, or|to preparation for a
•eligious ministry in which every one who is moved by the Spirit of God should participate.
?o allay this anxiety, the founders fully admitted the existence of the danger, and Martha
?yson, herself a gifted minister, frankly acknowledged that she had "often been touched
>y the appeals of the illiterate and unlearned far more than by the eloquence of rare and
:ultured minds."
But she pleaded with both Baltimore and Philadelphia Yearly Meetings
;o realize that because the early Friends bore a testimony against the necessity of a
.iberal education to qualify for gospel ministry, it should not be concluded that liberal
;ulture was an obstacle to it, or liable to lead the minds of young Friends away from the
simple Quaker faith.
On the contrary, she reminded them that the learning of Penn, Barclay,
=enington, Stubbs and others who so nobly and effectually contributed to the dissemination
>f the views of George Fox had enhanced their usefulness^ and that so far from inducing
Ln them a spirit of pride, their intellectual acquirements had served to humble them in a
sense of their own u n w o r t h i n e s s . ^ O t h e r s stressed the same thought, and insisted that in
the infancy of the Society of Friends the student of Oxforo and Edinburgh, side by side
pith the cobbler of Drayton, had founded and promoted Quakerism; and still others reminded
Friends that while "the popular notion excludes the idea of incorporating divine things
srith a system of culture and advancement in learning, Friends believe that the separation
af secular and religious things is an error, and that there is n o ^ true education which is
aot religious?
The Board's Addtess of 1863 declared accordingly that it was desired to
449
establish an institution in which the beauty and simplicity of a Christian profession
may be so blended with scientific instruction as completely to interweave them into the
moral and m e n t a l fabric, fitting the p u p i l ih some measure to associate the beauty and
harmony of the external creation with the tenderness and love of the Creator in his
spiritual manifestations.
Wo n-S e ctar iani sm
A t the same time, it was one of the founders* chief desires that the new college
should be non-sectarian.
The Report of 1854 recommended that, while preference should be
ftvioL. — t ^ j r + s ^ )
given to Friends' children, others should be admitted on equal terras^ andtthe children
of Friends have been in a relatively small m i n o r i t y ^ from the fery first, the faculty 1ms
included n o n - F r i e n d s , who have usually largely outnumbered the Friends, and three of the
seven presidents have been non-members.
The Board of M a n a g e r s , it is true, was required
by the charter until it was changed at the end of the first generation, to include only
Friends.
But otherwise in letter a n a in spirit the personnel and management have been
non-sectarian.
Creeds and articles of faith have been entirely ignored; their place was
taken by a recognition of the Light "Hfi thin - the intuitive sense of right and wrong implanted by the Creator in every rational soul . ^ P r o s e l y t i n g was never tolerated, and it
was publicly rejected, at the corner-stone laying: by President P a r r i s h , who said that the
founders of Quakerism were among the foremost advocates of the widest civil and religious
liberty for every-one, and that while Friends have sometimes advocated their views with
considerable zeal, they have not aimed, to proselyte to their own peculiar forms and organization.
John D.Hicks, a l s o , representing the Board at the inaugural exercises,
declared that each individual is sovereign in his responsibility to the higher lav of
his Creator, manifested in his own h e a r t , from the dictates of which spring all the
Christian virtues; and that all questions of theology and the application of principles
would be left to the matured judgment of Swarthnore's students.
A n o t h e r m e m b e r of the B o a r d ,
William D o r s e y , evidently felt that this was too wide a. latitudinarianism; for he took
an opportunity on the same occasion to link Quakerism definitely with Christianity,declaring
450
that
its ""belief, a deep, abiding faith, is based on the Divine precepts and holy-
life of the Son of God, in their pure and simple
of rnan."
integrity,
without the manipulations
But he did not advocate applying the test of Christianity to any phase of
the college life; and in the practise of two generations, Jew and Gentile, Catholic^A^.
Protestant, Confucianist and Shintoist have stood on equal footing within the college
walls.
\ L
The spread of the principles of Quakerism, however, and the preservatiori^hough
•atiorMw*
not the increase of membership in the Society of Friends, were definitely in the
minds of the founders, and were skilfully used by them in support of the proposed
college.
Their report in 1861 pointed out the danger lest, in the absence of a liberal
education of Friends' children under circumstances fsvoi-able to the maintenance of
Quaker principles and testimonies, the Society jjould be gradually absorbed by other
religions denominations.
Benjamin Hallowell expressed the hope at the same time that
"the Institution, if established, inay be an instrument of good to the precious youth
of our Society for centuries."
D r . Farrish was glad to observe that "the elders and
fathers in the church", in looking for a succession of standard-bearers, were beginning to "suspect that to the neglect of the great interests of education under the
guarded care of the Society may be attributed much of the weakness which they deplore."
The Reunion of Quakerism
One cause of this weakness was due, Dr. Parrish believed, to the Separation
of 1827-28, which he at least had come to regard, forty years afterwards, as a
"terrible rending of the Society"; and he dared to hope that the new generation of
students would subject th~t Reparation to "the light of impartial criticism, with a
sincere desire to learn the lessons which it teaches and to seek out the cause of the
declension and disi\jfc»ity which have been so fatal to the right progress and influence
of the Society."
An actual Reunion, he did not venture to prophesy, seventy years ago,
even as a fruit of the college of his dreamsl
Mutual understanding, friendship and
cooperation among at least the ^liberal Friends of all sections of the country were
prophesied as one of its probable results.
"Whatever may befall many of our meetings,"
wrote an enthusiast in 1868, "or even our religious organization, Swarthmore College
is destined to remain, and must continue to shed abroad the beneficent influences of
Quakerism for ages to come."
Social Reforms
The founders had a wider vision than even the higher education of young people,
whether Quaker or non-Quaker.
The political, economic, moral and religious problems
of the mid-Nineteenth Century, weighed heavily upon their hearts, and they aspired
through the faculty and alumni of the college to render aid in their solution.
Presi-
dent parrish, indeed, in his corner-stone address, defined a "guarded education" to
mean such training of the individual's moral attributes as would result in an altruistic
regard for "the community at large", and the championship of "a free gospel ministry",
international peace, and "the Christian democracy of the early Friends."
An editorial
in the Friends' Intelligencer in 1862 (probably by D r . Parrish also) declared that for
rendering such ambitious service, thorough intellectual training is essential: /^These
clear and practical views of Christian truth*, he wrote,
*CBJI
only be properly maintain-
ed and propagated in an inquiring and progressive age by well disciplined and cultivated
minds.
Vainly shall we seek to build upon the learning of a Barclay, the humane and
Christian polity of a P e n n , the clear reasoning of a Dymond, or the integrity in thought
and diction of a Woolman, unless we are prepared to meet the issues of our own teeming
and eventful age with something of the moral s.nd intellectual power which gave preeminence
to these and other worthy champions of a pure morality and a high Christian standard."
This reaction against the "Quietism" and "innocuous desuetude" which marked the middle
period of Quakerism had been both a cause and a result of the "Separation of 1827-28";
and Martha Tyson ana her associates in founding Swarthmore College, forty years later,
gave strong emphasis to their faith that the new institution would afford renewed impulse
452
towards socially useful careers and enlarged abilities for carrying them to success.
Local Day Schools, or a Central Boarding School ?
The warmly debated question as to the advantages of local day-schools and
even family schools, as compared with those of a central boarding-school, was answered
by the founders, who believed that there was room for both, and a need for educational
experiments of varied kinds.
But ih order to overcome the local prejudices of "Friends
generally", and to persuade them to support something beyond^a ^ree^school in every
r>
Friends' community, they were obliged to use tact and discretion, and to urge primarily
the responsibility of meetings and members towards orphaned children and others who had
no homes or liome^ schools.
They also appealed to pride in local schools by advocating
in the new college the training of teachers who could make the local schools worthy of
their sponsors and capable of competing successfully with the public schools.
It
would seem, indeed, that it was this argument chiefly which overcame or transmuted
local pride and prejudice^.
The Training of Teachers
Not only for the sake of the local schools, but also for the sake of prospective
teachers, and especially the young women of the Society, was teacher-training stressed.
In the Women's Yearly Meeting of Philadelphia, in 1858, after its committee on education
hadXetreeofd the need of teacher-training, the concern was brought forth that "in the
training of our daughters there be an especial reference to their future usefulness in
life - that their school education be ample to fit them for any business that may devolve
upon them
- that so they may be capable of maintaining themselves in some useful calling,
as it is feared that, for want of this, many young women have been induced to enter into
unsuitable marriage connexions, often involving themselves and others in perplexity and
wretchedness."
In accordance with this strong and. widespread desire for teacher-
training, D r . Parrish promised in his corner-stone address that "instruction in the art
of teaching will be a desideratum^ and in the future^a model school will probably be
453
opened, to facilitate this important practical branch."
V
Liberal Culture o^j a Trades School?
The most warmly debated question which the founders had to answer was: Shall the
new institution be a trades school, a high school, or a college?
The "country Friends"
had a naturally strong desire that training in farming should be emphasized in the curriculum; and Benjamin Hallowell in his Address of 1860 yielded to this desire at least to
the extent of suggesting that a farm of 100 acres or more should be connected with the
college so that, "by a little tact" on the part of the faculty, farming, the making of
farm implements, etc., "may be made a most important and healthful part of their [[the
s t u d e n t s ^ recreation, and a rational and useful employment of their waste energies,
affording all necessary physical exercise, with equal and perhaps superior benefit to
the health of the m i n d , and the corporeal systems, to that produced by the ordinary
[' Gymnastic games."
The ^Joint Address* of 1860 advocated courses in "Agricultural Chenv-
j istry and to some extent the arts of Agriculture and Horticulture -
, so that Friends'
children might be made acquainted with - - - how to bud a tree, to train and trim grapevines and flowers, and thus occupy their leisure time and waste energies in a healthy,
rational and useful employment."
,
The demand for skilled housekeepers was also recognized in the ""yjoint A d d r e s s ^
which stated: "It is desirable that such of the girls as do not already know h o w , should
be instructed in the best ray to make bread, butter, cake, and every kind of plain cooking and household employment.
Under judicious, cheerful and concerned direction and
training, this could be made by turns amongst the girls an important and useful part of
their recreation and amusement."
Business, too, asserted its claims.
One Friend wrote:J^It has been the immemor-
ial tradition of the Society of Friends that Seats of Learning, or institutions for the
cultivation of what are called ^elegant studies^, as a r t , criticism, languages, philo5
l
eophy and literature, can have no place in a scheme of practical Christian education for
their children.
L
Our practice has been to fit our sons for business, and. our daughters
454
fdr the hurahle economics of the household.
It is well to remember that the care of
the family, the supply of its material wants, is a. primary duty; and the applause which
our Society has won from the best nart of m e n , for sobriety, honesty and thrift in the
common business of life, justifies our high appreciation of this obligation."
D r . Parrish met this strong appeal in his corner-stone address by declaringi^It
is a false idea of education which limits it to any one class of studies or degrades it
to a mere utilitarian basis.
Nothing is deserving the name'which does not enlarge man's
nature and fit him for the enjoyment of elevating thoughts and ideas out of the range of
business. - - - We claim a higher mission for Swarthmore College than that of fitting men
and women for business: it should fit them for life with all its possibilities.
May
those who shell hereafter guide its destinies be inspired with a love of learning for its
own sake, and for the inestimable advantages it is capable of conferring;- and may they
never cease to couple in their system of training the highest intellectual culture with
the development of the moral and religious elements of character."*
Besides this idealistic reply to the materialistic objection, D r . Parrish argued
that "there is no honorable
pursuit in life for which a, man is not better fitted by tha,t
accumulation of knowledge, that power of classifying facts and ideas and of deducing principles from them, which it is the object of a. liberal education to impart."
professor
Joseph Thomas, also, at the corner-stone laying, said.'^We ought, I think, to be especially
on our guard that we be not deceived by the cry of utility which we hear on every h a n d .
True, in its largest sense, the useful may include all that is most desirable for the
human race, but it is too often limited to merely providing for our physical wants and
Necessities.
- - - Those who pursue science and truth for their own sake, really do far
Tiore to promote the useful in the best sense of the word than those whose sole object
begins
and ends
with utility.*^)To
illustrate
thisthe
p o iQuery,
n t , D r "Do
. Thomas
the
* Friends'
"Disciplines"
included for
many years
their referred
children tofreely
partake of learning to fit them for business?"
455
scientific work of Sir Isaac Newton; and in farther illustration of it, a proponent
of Swarthmore College at the Baltimore conference in 1866
referred to the circumstances
under which steam come to be applied to the mechanic arts. "JfThe philosophei*", he said,
^first investigated its properties as affected by the various conditions of temperature
and pressure, and taught these from the lecturer's desk., before the mechanic seized u p o n
and applied this wonderful agent to his purposes.
As a result of this discovery and
application more than to any other cause, the humblest mechanic in our time may enjoy
comfort and means of improvement greater than those of kings and princes three hundred
years a g o .
The discovery of the philosophical fact that a galvanic current passing
round a piece of soft iron gave it the properties of a magnet, was the first step toward
the perfection of those wonderful means of communication by which events in the most
distant communities and the thoughts of the most widely separated men are now spread with
lightning speed over the world.*A High—School, or a College?
Rejecting, then, the appeal that the new institution should be primarily a
school for manual training, business training, or any other art used in everyday life,
or in the making of a living, the founders still faced the question, Should it be a
high school or a college?
They had to meet and overcome the conviction widely held
among Friends, as among most other Americans at the time, that a high-school education
was sufficient for everyone who was not planning to enter one of the "learned" professions; and that the best training even for these was not in colleges or professional
schools, but in the offices of lawyers, physicians, etc., where practice could accompany
theory.
For the vast majority of young people whose path in life would not lie among
such activities, a high—school education they regarded as adequate for every need, and as
consistent with democratic simplicity and avoidance of frills and shams.
A s early as March, 1861, D r . F a r r i s h informed Benjamin Hallowell thatj^many of
cj
our Friends from the Country seem to have an i^ea^ that we are going to have a common
This was probably Benjamin Hallowell.
456
| boarding School in which the ordinary grammar school studies will be pursued in the
• ordinary way, while others suppose that the idea was to establish a Normal School and
College.
I find that some who would be likely to be large Contributors to a high
. school feel little or no interest in any other, while there are certainly many friends,
. especially in the country, who are very fearful of the influence of a liberal education
;
& even fear it may in some undefined way weaken the force of Friends' principles & testi-
m o n i e s . " jjPOne of these critics inquired; "What if we do not give to the world chemists,
astronomers, statesmen and poets?
do more?"
If we give honest, useful men and women, do we not
Another declined to contribute further to the funds of the college on the
ground that its benefits could only be enjoyed by a few of the wealthier members, "which
must increase rather than lessen the disparity in the literary attainments of the
Society."
During the years of discussion that followed, this divergence of view was strongly
emphasized and it did lead, as D r . Parrish feared, to the loss of some financial support.
But the founders adhered steadfastly to their ideal of a school for "the higher learning."
tf +
The writer of a noteworthy article in the Intelligencer for June 1 5 , 1861, finely expressed
this ideal and pointed out that, although Friends are rarely found in the almshouse, the
penitentiary, the hospital, and homes for the inebriate, the friendless and the infirm,
they are also usually absent from legislative halls, the judges' bench, the professor* s
chair, and the loftier walks of literature, science and a r t .
This, it was suggested, was
due to a "practical system of school education, borne out by a guarded and seclusive
social training."
Another defender of higher education pleaded for the development of "true, noble,
dignified, honorable and large men," as its proper purpose; and he insisted that business,
trades, professions, government, law, the domestic, social and religious relations," with
all their duties and enjoyments", should be made a part of a comprehensive education embracing all of life.
'
^
The raising of the standard of education, during recent years, among
The article was signed "L".
of Lucretia M o t t .
sentiments and phraseology are strongly indicative /vuw.-
457
other religious organizations and. in the community at large was also emphasised.
A Preparatory Department
T h u s , a t every point, the objections to the original plan of "an institution in
S
which an education may be obtained equal to that furnished by the best college^ in the
Land" were met one by one and convincingly answered.
But thi founders recognized that
certain hard realities must be reckoned with and could be only gradually overcome.
They
therefore yielded to the demand for "a high school" by incorporating "a preparatory department" within their college.
Replying to D r . Parrish's request for advice in the dilemma, in March, 1861,
3enjamin Hallowell wrote that a good preparation for college work was essential among
Triends, and that this could be acquired only when "well educated and efficient Friend
;eachers" were supplied to the local Friends^ schools.
Until this were accomplished, "it
Ls hardly to be supposed there will be one hundred young persons of each sex prepared to
m t e r a finishing school."
Teacher-training, then, was one essential function of the new
:ollege; and meanwhile, the college itself wo\ild need to supply preliminary training for
jrospective college students.
"Theni^as s-ood Schools, under Teachers educated in the In-
r
i
ititution multiply in Friends' settlements, and that natural improvement I o c c u r s ! in
'riends private Boarding Schools consequent upon such a n Institution as we have in v i e w ,
,he necessity for preparatory Classes in the Institution will diminish, and one difficulty then mentioned will beautifully solve itself."
While making this concession, however, Benjamin Hallowell and Martha Tyson ad.ered steadfastly to their ideal of an institution which "must, from its commencement,
ossess facilities for pursuing a liberal and extensive course of study to such as desire
o do so, equal to that of the best Institutions of learning in our Country, in which
ifferent Professors, each deeply interested in his particular branch of knowledge, would
mpart their enthusiasm to the students, and awaken a corresponding ardour, the combined
ffect of which would be an impress most favorable for the healthy development of the
ind and heart."
This refusal to establish only a high school, or only a teacher-training institu-
458
tion, and. the plan to set up a genuine college, which should give a higher training to
w
everyone, teachers included, and should provide a preparatory department\whioh (should be
laid down as soon as the secondary Friends' schools could adequately prepare their pupils
for the college, were accepted by the builders of Swarthmore and fully realized within a
score of years after the college was opened.
D r . Parrish explained and advocated this plan in numerous editorials in the
tL +
Intelligencer,
beginning with 1862, and stressed its provisions in his corner-stone ad-
dress in 1 8 6 6 ^ and his inaugural address in 1869; the first Board of Managers incorporated
it in their reports beginning with 1863; Professor Magill, although he was chosen principal of the preparatory department in 1867 and fully approved of its inclusion, heartily
espoused the ideal of a genuine college and strove valiantly throughout his administration
as president to realize the ideal.
The preparatory department, although it had practical disadvantages which w e r e
felt increasingly as the college grew, filled a pressing need at the start.
Dr.Parrish's
7
report to the bAard in 1866 stated that a course of instruction forXfrho preparatory 4epartaoirt had been carefully arranged with the view of preparing students "to enter the
college in due course, there to acquire a thorough and liberal mental culture, while those
who may be compelled to leave at the close of the preparatory course will carry with them
3 ground-work for that self-education which should be the aim of all."^pin the same y e a r ,
the board stated its intention to "open the preparatory department as soon as the condition of the treasury and the progress of the building will allow, and to postpone the
formation of the College classes till at least a year after that time."
It announced,too,
that steps had been "taken towards securing the services of an experienced practical
teacher to open this department," and in M a y , 1867, Edward H . Magill was appointed to the
position of p r i n c i p a l . ^ T h e opening of the school had to be postponed for two and a half
rears after this; and when it occurred, 173 pupils were admitted to the preparatory department and 26 to the freshman class of the college.
^
Supra, PPSupra, p p . S48
and passim.
,382,08-Sr
A t the end. of 1889-90, the number
459
of college students had increased to 163, and the number of the preparatory department
had decreased to 80.
The latter department was then discontinued, the preparation for
admission to the college "being left to the numerous good Friends' schools which had
developed^ in the meantime.
For a dozen years longer, however, the college admitted
"sub-collegiate" or "unclassified" students, or those classified as taking "irregular and
partial courses."
When the number of these had decreased to twenty (as compared with 187
college students), in 1902, the last vestige of the "preparatory department" was abolished.
A Critical Era, 1850-1869
The bequest of the founders is given additional significance by the character of
the era in which their work was done.
To have started the college at all was praiseworthy;
to have started it at the time when they undertook the task was noteworthy.
The two de-
cades of the 1850's and 1860's in the United States were difficult and ominous from many
points of view.
The question of the extension or abolition of slavery; the crisis of
the continued union or secession of the States; the long-drawn-out agony of the Civil War;
the angry, menacing problems of reconstructing the defeated South and of adapting the
victorious North and West to an economic revolution, created an era full of political,
industrial, social and moral dynamite which made caution and practical wisdom imperative
if disaster were to be avoided.
Fortunately, the founders of the college had a suffi-
ciency of these virtues, together with a modicum of the spirit of adventure and of confidence in "the things which are most excellent"; and thus endowed, they were able to ride
out the s t o r ^ a n d to bring the ship of their desire into port.
Voluntary Cooperation versus State and Church Control
With the rugged individualism which was characteristic of theniX-tiw relied upon
the voluntary co&peration of individuals, and rejected both state^aid and the support of
the organized Society of Friends.
The good fortune of the college in being free of
state control and partisan politics, throughout its entire career, meeds no argument;
and it was fortunate, also, that its founders did not rely upon the aid of the Yearly
Meetings in giving it birth) or subject it to their official control.
Both in Philadel-
phia and in New York, as has been seen, "way did not open" for the Yearly Meetings to
give their organized support to the project in the early Sixties; and to Jisve waited for
460
their aid would doubtless have deferred its undertaking to the Greek calends; while
their official control throughout its existence would have subjected it to the hesitant
and often reactionary policies which have blighted most "denominational"
colleges.
A Stock-Holding Corporation
On the other h a n d , the pressing need of funds and the inability to procure an
adequate endowment for many years le^.d to the plan of creating a joint stock company or
corporation of individual share-holders, which might have resulted in a. restriction of its
educational progress.
B u t , fortunately, the chief and almost only function of the corpor-
ation was to elect a board of managers, to whom wa,s given almost entire control.
It was
never intended to declare dividends on the stock owned by the share-holders; and within
forty years, the corporation was extinguished and the shares of stock retired, or vested,
in the boarc. and its trustees.
The Board of Managers
The constitution, by-laws, and charter under which the college was launched^
and lias sailed ever since with but little change, were characterized by a liberality which
has made growth and expansion easy.
Perhaps their most striking features were the com-
Iplete equality of men and women in the organization, and the "Cjuaker" method of voting.
number of managers has always been thirty-two, and one-half of these have plrryr
been women.
Not only was equal opportunity and influence thus accorded to women, in
they&ffaajo of the college, but the method of voting in the corporation and the board was
also brought into line with Quaker theory and practice.
The "sense of the meeting" has
been found, not by number of shares of stock owned by the voters, or even by a majority
vote.
Wealth, experience, idealism, devoted service, and ±Jse. "concerns" for eduoptional
and other social reforms, have all found their proper place in theVoonroh 4For/merabers of
the board, and in the regard paid to their counsel.
The Board and the Faculty
That factor of so much importance, and so much controversy, in modern college
education, namely, the relation between board and faculty, was faced by the founders two
years before the college opened.
It was then provided that the faculty should determine
all questions pertaining to college discipline and instruction, but that they should act
only on the proposals made to them by the president or the b o a r d .
Two years later, the
right of the initiative was conceded to the f a c u l t y , "subject to the approval of the
executive committee", and on the basis of a semi-annual report through the president to
the b o a r d .
1
The two "spheres of action" were outlined in Professor M a g i l l s address in
June, 1 8 6 9 , as follows: "As in the case of the arrangement of the details of the course
of study - - - , so with regard to the practical application of general principles to the
details of school and college discipline, the Faculty must assume the responsibility,
being left free as to processes, and held rigidly responsible for results" ; and h e based
this conclusion on the premise that teaching, like the practice of m e d i c i n e , is a
profession, wh^rhCis not to b e interfered with by "the non-professional employer."
The relation between the president and the b o a r d , and between the president and
the faculty, was faintly outlined in a by-law of the board in 1867, which prescribed
that a committee of five members of the b o a r d , with the president as ex officio m e m b e r ,
should advise with and direct the president on the appointment of instructors a n d s t a f f ,
subject to the approval of the b o a r d .
But the details of the respective functions of
L e
the president, f a c u l t y , and b o a r d , as well a s of flhrfreiheit, were left to later experience.
The College Location
Pounded as the college w a s , by members of the three Yearly Meetings of Baltim o r e , Philadelphia and New Y o r k , which were then widely separated in time, and at an
era when sectional differences and prejudices prevailed in the country at large, it was
a fortunate circumstance that Philadelphia was the center, both geographically and
numerically, of the "J^beral" F r i e n d s .
This fact was recognized as the logical one to
J/^'jtrJu
determine the location of the college; and the spokesman of^bbefmany very hrlpfnl Nnii Ynl'1
Friends, in his address on Inauguration D a y , 1 8 6 9 , expressed their satisfaction as follows: "It is but proper that we should a c k n o w l e d g e , on this occasion, the uniform courtesy
and spirit of cooperation which our Pennsylvania Friends have extended towards u s of F e w
York.
I might say, in perfect truth that we have known in the establishment of this
462
it*
college, no State limits, or local prejudices, to mar our progress."
Benjamin
Hallo we ll^as earl/ as rhis Address*of 1860 said: "As affording the most convenient access
locat
to all six of our Yearly Meetings, a location
at a suitable distance from some station
8
on the Phil ' and Harrisburg Railroad jj;he "Main Line" of the Pennsylvania RailroadJ,
would anpear to us desirable." *
?
^
^
' v
„
NHaverford College had pre-empted this\vimiaijijt4
joined with sentimental reasons to select a site for Swarthmore on another railroad, but
about the same distance from Philadelphia.
Veneration for William P e n n , founder of the
State and one of the founders of the Society, played its part in the selection.
dent Parrish, in his corner-stone address in 1866, voiced this sentiment:
Presi-
it not,"
he said, "a cause of general congratulation that here in Delaware County, within sight of
the first landing-place of William Penn in his Province, his successors in religious
communion should erect a capacious end permanent institution in which the principles
and even the forms to which he was conscientiously bound, and for which he sacrificed
so much of worldly preferment, will obtain favorable consideration and encouragement?"
Thus, while Swarthmore's name recalls the memory of George Pox and Margaret Fell, its
location revives that of another of the pioneer Quakers; and its "Founders' Day" is designed to honor the founders of the Quaker society and commonwealth, as well as of the Quaker
Benjamin Hallowell, who regarded the location of the new college as of "vital
importance", advocated in his Address*'' of 1860 one which should not be in a city, nor
even "where there are very frequent, easy and cheap facilities for getting to and from
t^e Institution, especially as it respects large towns and cities."
On the other hand,the
founders adopted a compromise between the wholly urban and the wholly rural and sylvan,
and accepted the strongly pressed demand that the location should be sufficiently near a
city to be benefitted by at least some of the advantages of urban life, while at the same
The first board included twelve members each from Philadelphia and Hew York Yearly Meetings, and eight froto Baltimore. This distribution has since been changed, logically and
tacitly, to 22 from Philadelphia, 6 from Hew York and 4 from Baltimore.
463
time providing that all the advantages of country life might be secured.
This com-
promise proved to be a fortunate one for many years, until the advent of trolley-cars
and automobiles, as well as frequent and cheap railroad trains, made
11
the Sundry Exodus"
and much other absence from ana visits to the college a. real problem.
The Campus
The campus, mfaich Benjamin Hallowell hoped would be "a. farm of not less than 100
acres", began with about 32 acres and was increased later to 237.
Its commending posi-
tion, overlooking the borough of Swarthmore which has grown up around it and the valley
of the Delaware River, and including a large tract of woodland and the rocky gorge of
Crum Creek, delighted the hearts of the founders and has given health and joy to the successive generations of college students.
A committee of the board recommended in 1854
that "it wotild be well to provide as early as practicable for the laying out of the grounds,
with trees in considerable variety, and for a garden of classified plants with reference
to botanical instruction".
But three years later, the committee reported that it had
confined its efforts to farming the arable land to the extent of planting oats, corn and
grass-seed, and it made the following wisely-restrained r.-jcoaraendationi
"The time has
nearly arrived when, under judicious advice, such planting, grading and laying-out of
walks as will be necessary to embellish our grounds should be entered into.
A variety
of evergreen and deciduous trees have been offered to us free of charge, but it seems to
be the general opinion that no advantage would result from covering the front lawn with
trees likely to grow to sufficient size to obscure the prospect."
This general opinion
was respected and, although a fine variety of trees was added to the indigenous ones on
the rear and flanks of the campus, "the prospect" has remained unobscured to the present
time.
The Type of Buildings
The buildings which the founders planned in 1854 included one for 100 boys and one
for 100 girls, these to be separated by v half-mile or a mile.
In 1860, it was decided to
build one central building, with two wings (one for the 100 boys, and one for the 100 girls),
the "Superintendent's family", library, assembly-room, some of the recitation-rooms, and
'
>:
j
464
the dining-room, to h e in the central building.
Fojir years later, the board considered
its committee's proposal for a central^building to DiCrroBiyKMtojfc 400 students, together with
smaller houses in which the students might live as separate farailies'^Xe^wS^* "disciplineand culture out of school" might be facilitated.
These smaller houses were warmly urged
for other reasons, among which was stressed the greater danger and d e s t r u c t i v e s
ss ox a
fire in one large building; bat the overhead expense of separate dormitories and diningrooms evidently determined the board to return to the plan of I860 for one large building
with two w i n g s ,
president p a r r i s h , in his corner-stone address in 1 8 6 4 , gave a n enthus-
iastic description of the proposed structure which would "constitute a remarkably enduring monument to the far-seeing liberality of its founders"; ana another enthusiast in
1869, commenting on the expense of the completed building, reminded Friends that "it is
not like a family dwelling designed to last for one or two generations only, but a durable legacy
I the "the
|Society
all ofgenerations."
Even toafter
great for
fire"
lg$l, trie plan of one large building was adhered
to; and it lias only been gradually, in recent years, that tfe^Jscore of additional buildings
4k, AjbU^nJ^L
have oeen a d d e d .
These have become necessary, in spite of^fee limitation in the number of
students to 500; and if future expansion in numbers should be decided u p o n , it appears
probable that the plan of 1 3 6 4 ^ — which resembles the "college" plan of England's universities - may yet triumph.
lings and Equipment
Furnishings
"The formidable work of providing the extensive build.ing, now ^ D e c e m b e r , 1867ft
just half-finished, with furniture and all the requisites for the comfortable accommodation of its inmates", was confided^to a large committee of women.
These devoted Friends
had a strenuous ta.sk in deciding u p o n , selecting, and procuring the funds necessary, for
Arv
thejrpurcha.se of the furniture and furnishings of varied kinds for the sleeping-apartments,
I. —
p a r l o r s , dining-room, kitchen and laundry; and they set a standard, not only of devoted
service, but of simplicity and durability which w a s perhaps too faithfully followed during
Liany subsequent y e a r s .
The board recommended that they should confine their collection
465
of funds for the purpose "to their own sex"; and suggested that they night find it helpful for "each contributor disposed to link her name permanently with the College to he
given the privilege of paying for the furnishing of one or more dormitories, parlors or
dining tables."
The women evidently did not act upon the latter suggestion, and the
college was spared such hospital-like labels for its various precincts.
The furnishing-task was accomplished with great difficulty in procuring sufficient
funds; but the board admitted that it could not meet "the just expectations of the community" unless it should undertake the further task of providing "a stock of school-books
and stationery, which may or may not be charged to the pupils as hereafter determined; also
books of reference, maps, globes, means of illustrating natural history, and philosophical
£
and chemical apparatus."
It realized that there was "great room for large expenditures",
in providing such equipment; and it tried to limit them to what was "necessary and suitable."
It also annealed, in 1868, for individual contributions, and notified prospective
donors that "a safe place of storage has been provided in the College building for any
contributions of books, specimens and apparatus donated to it, and the President, if notified of a ly intended contributions of the kind, will attend to their being forwarded and
properly cared for."
Modest contributions followed this appeal, end the college began its
career with at least the nucleus of a library*— that "heart" of every college.
Comparable in importance with the ideals of the founders was their solution of the
preliminary financial problem.
They realized, of course, that this was a sine qua n o n .
As Benjamin Hallowell said of it at the outset, "If we fail h e r e , all discussion of other
points, so far as the Institution is concerned, would be useless, and might be injurious,
as the discussion of abstrac —
•
s-
j Hf-l
c
tions too frequently are."
Its difficulty was enhanced, of course, by the uncertain-
ties and high prices caused by the Civil War and its aftermath.
Starting in 1854 with
the modest estimate of $50,000 as the sum necessary to finance the college, on the eve
of the Civil War, in 1860, this estimate was increased to $150,000; and when the college
opened nine years later, more than $200,000 had been spent on the first building and
its furnishings.
How to procure this sum, under the difficult circumstances, with out m p y / p r evious experience in money-raising and with the desire and necessity of foregoing the
corporate aid of the Society of Friends, was a hard problem to solve.
The ways and means
resorted to includea^first^the preparation and distribution of "Addresses".
done in 1853, 1854, 1860 and 1 8 6 3 .
This was
Next^the holding of conferences among the members
of Baltimore, Philadelphia and New York Yearly Meetings was relied upon to bring out
„
latent enthusiasm and cooperation.
•
I860, and lasted until ) % 4»
These conferences began in Baltimore in October,
,^
|
\Thoy- wore both local (in the MonthlyjMeeting
localities) and general (Yearly Meeting and inter-Yearly Meeting).-in scopes
During the
years 1861 and 1862, at least sixty local and ten general conferences were held, with the
result that the sum of $50,000
originally
desired was subscribed.
The oanforonoe meth-
during 1863, about twenty of them being held that y e a r , at the end of
which subscriptions had amounted to about $75,000 and the number of subscribers to about
seven hundred.
We do not hear so much of conferences in 1864; and by the end of that
year, the subscriptions did not reach quite $100,000.
To follow up the work during intervals between conferences, an executive committee met monthly in Philadelphia, and tried to keep in touch with the various localities by means of correspondents appointed in each monthly or quarterly meeting.
The
members of the committee and the correspondents divided among them the names of all Friends,
called upon them, distributed copies of the "Addresses", and procured signatures to
subscription-blanks.
To bind these scattered forces together, "The Friends' Union Boarding School
Association" was agreed upon at a conference in New York in June, 1862; a, constitution was adopted for this in Philadelphia in the following December, and its name was
changed to "The Friends' Educational Association"; and when the charter was procured in
5" \rame into wiEit.
May, 1864, the "Corporation of Swarthmore College"
Although at least three general and five local conferences were held in 1865,
it was realized that a more effective method than this should he tried for raising money
It was found also that not even the Board of Managers, elected first in December, 1862,
could be chiefly relied upon to push this task.
Hence, just after the close of the
Civil War, a President was chosen (May, 1865) and the financial burden was placed primarily upon his shoulders.
Many claims for charity, due to unemployment and hospital
needs had been met by the Friends during .the war; and after its close, the freedmen
and Indians gained a large share of their care and resources.
But it is fortunate that
Swarthmore College got started in the decade of the 1860's, and was not struggling at
least for birth in the hard times of the 1870's.
The new presidents in the role of collector, utilized the press,\hi0 poa^ and
his presence in many a local meeting of Friends, and even became a kind of circuitrider through the country districts, visiting on horse-back the homes of possible subscribers.
His efforts were generously seconded by such men as Samuel Willets and
Edward Hoopes, who increased their own subscriptions from time to time on condition
that others would do likewise.
After the campus was purchased, "excursions" were or-
ganized to reveal its beauties^and "the laying of the corner-stone" (May,1866) and
f
the "inauguration" ceremonies (November, 1869) were utilized to arouse enthusiasm and
procure money; while the beneficent gifts to education made by Vassar, Cornell and
Feabody were used to point the appropriate moral.
The winter of 1868-69 brought a severe crisis in the financial problem, and
\JUXtV
it looked for a time as if in spite of theVfeime and money already expended upon the
project it might have to be abandoned.
But thanks to the sustained enthusiasm and
renewed vigor of conferences, committees, the Board, the president, and inviduals
466
endowed with wealth, generosity and shrewd business sense, the crisis was safely passed.
As evidence of the enthusiastic determination of the founders in those "difficult days
of small things" may b e cited the organization of a "Friends^ Association - - - in A i d of
Swarthmore College", which provided that its members should contribute "not less than
twenty-five cents monthly to the funds of the college"I
The first building was completed and furnished and the college finally opened in
November, 1869; but at once the task was assumed bf collecting for pressing needs a
further sum of $100,000.
Like all educational institutions of no profit-making purpose,
and of altruistic r£le and of vigorous growth, Swarthmore has continued to need and successfully to procure increasing fund?,until its endowment has now (1934) reached the sum
of six and a half million dollars."^ J u t like the continual presence of the poor in a
progressive society, the financial problem is the constant, inevitable and stimulating
companion of successful colleges.
A Small College
The desire of the founders that their college should be a small one was determined not only by financial difficulties, by the proximity of the University of Pennsylvania
which opened its doors to thousands, and by the relatively small constituency of the
Society of Friends whom it was designed primarily to serve, but also by what they deemed
desirable and even necessary in a college education.
The moral and religious influence
of a small number of instructors among a small number of students, and the personal contact by which the intellectual as well as the other elements of strong character may be
developed, they believed could best b e secured in a small college.
of 200, ih 1 8 5 4 , was increased ten years later to 3 0 0 .
The original estimate
Facilities were provided at the
opening of the college in 1869 for 400, but only 170 entered.
The limit of 400 was not
reached until
— I*L ; and even when the facilities were considerably enlarged, the
maximum of 500 was adopted, and the attempt to approximate that number has persisted in
the face of steadily increasing pressure for admission.
467
CofBducation
w
The plan of 1B54 provided for the education of an equal number of boys and girls,
but was deficient in some vital elements of co-education.
The plan of 1860 and all
subsequent years was to provide for complete co-education, and to offer equal educational
facilities to both sexes.
Quaker circle itself.
This radical step was not taken without criticism within the
For example, Benjamin Hallowell's brother-in-law, in a lecture to
Philadelphia Friends in 1867, while fully accepting the "equality" of women with m e n , denied
that they were "equivalent".
He therefore deprecated giving the suffrage to women and a
classical education to girls.
Some of his auditors, however, at the conclusion of his
lecture, maintained that the education of the sexes should be in all respects "equal",
although of course not "uniform" for any two individuals.
Woman's high celling, they
argued, demanded no partial culture, such as was currently attempted in the teaching of
"music and kindred ornamental pursuits", but a genuine training in "those substantial,
linguistic, mathematical and scientific studies which have been selected for young men
as the result of long experience, to develop the intellect, improve the memory, and evoke
the power of classifying and expressing thought."
This advocacy of an equal education for both sexes in an institution shared in
common had been a. fundamental Quaker principle from the days of the organization of the
Society at Swarthmore H a l l , and had been applied in the church as well as the school by
George F o x , Margaret Fell and their compeers.
D r . Parrish and his fellow-founders of
Swarthmore College accepted it in its entirety, and thus gave to the college one of its
most distinctive characteristics.
President Parrish, in his corner-stone address
announced that while one wing of the building and parts of the campus would be separately allotted to each, the two sexes in approximately equal numbers would be educated
together, sharing equally the assembly-room, dining-room, library, class-rooms, and participating together in the college activities,^under "suitable supervision'^ healthful
recreation in*many sports" and in social intercourse.
Professor Magill, in his corner-stone letter, said: "I see in this work the in-
468
ception of a movement which is to prove, what has never yet been fully proven, although
tried to some extent, that it is feasible and. desirable to give to woman equal educational facilities with m a n , not in the earlier stages of education merely, hut to carry them
together, pari passu y to the heights of literature and science, and to prepare them alike
to use to the best advantage, to themselves and the world, the talents with which they
are endowed."
He deemed this experiment to b e peculiarly appropriate for the Friends,
and regarded it as making the opgning of Swarthmore "one of the greatest educational works
yet undertaken, not by Friends alone, but in this country."
The c o e d u c a t i o n a l ideal of the founders has been maintained in its integrity;
and even in numbers of the two sexes, a remarkably approximately equality lias been maintained.
It was part of this ideal that a. college education should, be supplied in the
setting of the home, and that family, or at least intimately friendly and dignified relations could be realized even among several hundred students and teachers.
D r . Parrish expressed this ideal in his report of 1867 and elsewhere.
"We mean,"
he said, "that our College shall possess the peculiar features which give character to
Friends' schools, without in the least degenerating into carelessness or want of refinement^ dispensing with the artificial manners of fashionable seminaries, we shall aim to
preserve a tone of decorum in the intercourse of teachers with pupils, and of pupils among
each other, which will commend itself to the approval of all who appreciate the relation
of manners to c h a r a c t e r ^ - of true politeness to a. just sense of moral obligations."
For the boys and girls in the preparatory department, the new principal, Professor
Sfegill, envisaged a. more parental attitude.
In his address of June, 1869, he saidj]J!tro
child, of ordinary intelligence who has reached the age of 12 years but will be capable of
entering profitably upon our preliminary course. - - - The age of 12 years has been adopted
as the earliest period, at which parents would generally be willing to entrust their children to the influences of a large school, and deprive them, for the time being, of the
home circle. - - - As it becomes more and more generally understood, that Swarthmore may
be considered as another home, that it has a father, deeply concerned for the highest wel-
469
fare of all the children, in the person of the President, and a mother,with her warm
sympathy and most gentle and refining influence, in the person of the Matron, parents
will no longer feel that they are incurring aiy risk in sending their children from
under their immediate influence even at an earlier age."
A s the preparatory department gradually diminished and disappeared, and only
students from seventeen years and upwards were admitted, the college naturally lost much
of this paternal atmosphere; but genuine friendliness
has been consciously maintained,
as an essential ideal of the college, as of the Society of Friends itself.
College Discipline
The problem of discipline might appear at first eight to be of even greater difficulty in a. coeducational, college than in separate colleges for men and women.
The
founders of Swarthmore were not unaware of the difficulties relating to moral, physical
and mental discipline encountered in the men's colleges of their time; but they were convinced that the problem could be solved, better end even more easily, in the c o e d u c a t i o n a l
college which alone they believed to be justified among Friends.
Baltimore Yearly Meeting's joint committee' s R e p o r t * of 1854 struck the keynote
of this ideal of discipline by saying that all rules of government should be "under the
precious influence of love" ; and that their sanction should b e found, in a growing knowledge of right and wrong, of the "hideousness
and misery
that lie concealed behind the
enticing front of error and vice, while behind the coarse and uninviting veil of virtue
there are transcendent beauty and loveliness, and the adornings of plainness, simplicity,
gentleness, quietness and meekness, and everything that tends to happiness in this life,
and to everlasting bliss in the world to come."
This expression of the founders' ideal of discipline was probably that of B e n j a men Hallowell, who emphasized and illustrated it by reference to rules of "plainness" in
his ^Address* of 1850.
In this, he exalted "the Spirit of Truth" in each individual,
inas;
*lotdBjl that inner conviction and principle - the fruits of this Spirit - must b e
L
470
the final sanction of conduct.
In his own remarkably successful school at Alexandria,
Virginia, Benjamin Hallowell's only rule had been "Boys, be good."
The first "prospectus" of the college, issued for patrons in 1869, announced
that "the discipline will be m i l d , though firm; the inculcation of high and honorable
motives among the pupils and the maintenance of mutual confidence and accord between them
and their teachers will be chiefly relied upon for the promotion of good order and their
moral and educational development.
D r . Parrish shared this liberal ideal of college dis-
cipline to the full; and during the year and a half of his presidency, put it into
practice.
But from the very opening of the college, persistent criticism of it began,
and D r . Parrish's retirement was largely due to the diversity of opinion it aroused.
It
was a. cause of peculiar regret to him that Martha E . Tyson was among the first from whom
this criticism came.
Advanced years, absence from direct contact with the college, and the
•prejudiced influence of others near and dear to h e r , accounted for and excused her attitude.Ji Of more practical importance to the college, was the change in Professor Magill's
attitude towards disciplinary methods.
The large number of pupils in the preparatory de-
partment, the responsibility for which devolved primarily upon him as p r i n c i p a l j - as
compared with the number of college students; the influence upon him of certain strongminded conservative members of the board} his long experience in the Providence and Boston
Latin Schools with rigid puritan methods of training; the practical differences he found
between day-schools and a boarding-school, and between schools for boys only and one for
both boys and girls; loyalty to the New England methods of Professor Phillips, whom he
had himself chosen to have charge of the discipline of the boys in their dormitory; and
perhaps what he regarded as President Parrish's too liberal application of the theories
which both he
and D r . P s r r i s h had advanced before the practical test came with the advent
of 170 boys and girls into the new and •untried ways: These and probably other reasons
account for
the temporary divergence which appeared between the policies of the president
and the principal.
As the preparatory department diminished and the college increased in
% See supra, p .
** See supra, p . -688V
471
importance, and as Professor Magill grew farther away from his long experience aJjfceacher
in preparatory schools and more deeply versed in the realities and full significance of
college life, his policy as president reverted to his own more liberal theories of
discipline, and he learned how to approximate ii practice the principles which appealed to
his inmost convictions.
Quaker "Simplicity"
The other founders evidently shared the liberal views of Benjamin Hallowell and
Martha Tyson in regard to "plainness", or simplicity; for Dr. Parrish announced in the
first prospectus that "although no form of dress will be prescribed for pupils, unnecessary
trimmings and showy or expensive jewelry will be prohibited, and parents are earnestly
desired to aid the Matron and Faculty in controlling the present growing tendency to extravagance and display in dress."
The large proportion of Friends on the^faculty and staff
and among the students resulted in the use of the"plain language" in class-room
and else-
where; and the traditional "thee and thy" has persisted in decreasing degree down to the
present tiney
M
'~
I I +-
In the 1860's the Quaker "testimony" in regard to instrumental music was still
vital; and despite the advanced views of Benjamin Hallowell and Martha Tyson,
refused for a score of years to permit the adveirt of a piano w i t h i n its walls.
the college
The fear
that it might lead to dancing and other waste of precious time appears to have been chiefly responsible for this refusal.
When a piano was finally installed - together with other
musical instruments - for social and artistic purposes, dancing did soon follow, in an
organized way and to a habitual, perhaps excessive, degree.
The present generation of
Swarthmoreans is quite sure that the founders were wrong in this particular application of
their principle of simplicity and moderation.
But quien sabe?
There was and still is unanimity of agreement that the use of alcoholic liquors
on the college premises r and olsewhinrs.. by any one connected with the c o l l e g ^ . should be
strictly prohibited or avoided.
During the half-century of "high license" which preceded
the Eighteenth Amendment, the college authorities were successful in preventing the opening
yn
* £'-•<-' i P P . 45, 700,
txiJL-fy, JL^
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472
of a salooft and. the sub rosa sale of alcoholic liquors in Swarthmore borough, and the
college was exceptionally free from taint of alcoholism.J^The prohibition of the use of
tobacco, which the first facultv somewhat disunitedly agreed upon for students and instractors alike,
became decidedly irksome to the non-Quaker instructors and administrative
officers who came to the college in increasing strength and numbers, although its observance by them was left entirely to their good sense and. loyalty.
The increasing age of
the students and the rise of a different standard of morals made it increasingly difficult
to enforce the rule against the use of tobacco; and it was finally abrogated (with certain
limitations) among both men and women students.
The Ideal for Instructors
The standard which the founders cherished for the selection of instructors was
certainly a very h i g h , and perhaps a too idealistic,one.
A thorough training in some
branch of the higher learning; mastery of their resoective specialties; a single-hea.rted
pursuit of their profession; a pure and subdued spirit; a >nowledge of their own hearts;
T
perfect self-govenment.; an acquaintance with the springs of action in the Mouthful company
A
*
around them; a conscientious observance and advocacy of at least the fundamental Quaker
"testimonies"; such were the c h a r a c t e r i s t i c s which it was hoped to find in the chosen
instructors.
Even the "three-fold vow" of the college professor which has become familiar
although, alas, far from fully realized in recent years, namely, to be a. good teacher, a
pioneer in the advancement of knowledge, and a useful servant of the public in other civic
as well as educational affairs, was at least dimly sensed by some of the founders.
John
D . Hicks, of New York, for example, said in his address on Inauguration D a y s ^ I n the
selection of the President the managers have chosen one of middle age in life, neither
wanting in the ripening influence of time nor crystallized by the conservation of age - a.
man of the times.
- Supra, p .
We trust he and his assistants will meet the wants of the day.
We do
473
at doubt they are all influenced hy the best intentions; but success will depend more on
aw scrupulously they become students of the situation, and careful observer:?, of the phenoena of daily experience.
When we consider the ever-widening fields of knowledge, the new
screts that nature is constantly revealing to those who patiently and diligently seek her
ruths, added to all that lias preceded it, the responsibility of instructors becomes
m i f est."
>
f
•
Salaries
Vfche responsibility of the college authorities and constituency towards the teacher
3s not wholly overlooked.
One exponent of this responsibility declared that as "our
sachers should be the best and most virtuous men and women that our Society can furnish,"
> "their vocation should be held as the most honorable pursuit among us; - - - and as
caching, to be thoroughly done, demands the exercise of talent, perseverance and patience,
>re than almost any other business, we should offer liberal inducements to those who are
ill in • to give them."
These inducements appear to have been, then as now, chiefly of a non-pecuniary
Lnd.
Starting with an annual salary for the president of "Two thousand dollars and travel-p f
Lng expenses", the salaries ranged down to $1200. for the oatron, $1,000. for ploessors,
M
V c^uu-. TtLUr
'50. for instructors, and "two pupil teachers without salaiy."^ fee days of the founders
jre the days of small things, of the simrole life, when the dollar went further and human
w
>nts e r e not so far-reaching.
The price of board and lodging at the college, for in-
a
;ructors as for students, was much less also, both actually and relatively, th^n it is
lere or elsewhere today.
The founders, too, and the Friends to whose financial support
>r the college they appealed, were making financial sacrifices for it themselves, and
tey confidently expected, the instructors to bear their share of the burden.
Vacations
For both financial and educational reasons, they rejected the argument that vacaEven
the should
Massachusetts
Board
of Education,in
whichsopost
.ons
in Horace
England Mann,as
werte tooSecretary
prolongedof and
be greatly
diminished
in America,
that he
did his ®poch-iaakiri work for education,received an annuel salary of from $100C- to $1500.
At the same time, teachers' salaries in the public schools rangea as low as $135 for men
and $65 for women, although in many districts the school year did not extend beyond two
or three months.
474
;eachers should not he "half-timers"; and they gave to Swarthmore's teachers and students
;he inestimable boon, and one of the chief compensations for small salaries, of about
m e - J o f
the year for holidays and the long vacation. "Leaves of a b s e n c e " ^ e r e not
envisaged by the founders, and it was not until the administration of President Aydelotte
Ln the second half of the second generation that they were placed upon a systematic and
Liberal b a s i s .
The modern system of pensions was also beyond their vision, although one
5f their idealists declared that "they who labor in the fields of scholastic literature,
"ho toil all day and often through the still hours of the night when others rest, who bear
the weight and responsibility which parents will throw upon teachers, - - - are entitled
to ample maintenance, sufficient to provide comfortably for them n o w , and to lay aside for
the years 'when the sound of the grinding is low'; and as there is no doubt that continuous
nental labor is exhausting, no teacher should be compelled by need to toil on after the
(rigor of life has passed."
This earl;, precursor of Andrew Carnegie and the pension-
system established forty years later at Swarthmore, evidently realized that "retiring
allowances" should be advantageous for the college and its students as veil as for the
teacher.
Terms of Admission
^cnj^^iA/
Although the founders adooted the policy of the open door for all students qualified to do the work,
the board adopted in 1866 the following minute: "{t is the unan-
imous judgment of the Board that jjstice to those who aid in the erection of the College
requires that their children and wards should have preference in claiming admission to
its privileges."
This preference was extended to the children of Friends who were not
stock-holders; and it has continued, to be granted, "other things being equal". to the
children of Friends, and has also been extended to include the children of the alumni.
Tisgpjboar
stated that the preference shown to the children of "those who aid in the
erection of the college" was the more important at the beginning because few applicants
could be excluded from the preparatory department on the ground of want of preparation.
f The founders do not appear to have raised the question of the "color line." TheJVegroes
were still too close fo slavery and too absorbed in the economic aspects of freedom to
cherish college ambitions; while the tide of Orientals had not yet started towards the
American college.
7
475
Che "prospectus" of 18G9 stated that seventy-five pupils of each sex would he admitted
at the opening; hut 171 were admitted for the first terra, and 188 for the second term,
sr 199 in a l l .
Of these, 106 w e r e hoys and 93 were g i r l s , including 11 hoys and 15 girls
in the "Freshman C l a s s / p T h e charge for hoard and tuition was fixed at $350 for the year
fk»r
of fortyf w e e k s , including "both college a n d preparatory courses; and the charge for day
pupils was $2.00, including "dinner at the tables with the resident students."
Both charges
included "the use of books not taken out of the b u i l d i n g " , and no extras, except for stationery and for chemicals used in the laboratory.
Although these charges have been in-
creased three-fold, they are still moderate as compared with those of other colleges; and
the Quaker desire for "democracy" as well as for economy was expressed during many years
by a uniform charge, regardless of location of rooms in the dormitories.
The age of twelve years wa.s fixed as the minimumjbut no other qualifications were
required in the admission of pupils, "in order to secure to all Stockholders equal privileges."
The first faculty determined the classification of the pupils on their arrival,
on the basis of written examinations, first into freshman and preparatory students, then
into three classes (with seven subdivisions) of preparatory pupils.
A r i t h m e t i c , geography,
English grammar and the j/istory of the United States were the subjects on which the preparatory pupils were examined; and Latin and French were added for admission to the freshman class.
The Curriculum
Such were the simple beginnings of a curriculum which the founders determined should
be "equal to that furnished by the best colleges in the land."
president Parrish stressed
this ide: 1 in his corner-stone speech in I 8 6 0 , and Professor Magill» though principal of
the preparatory department, heartily endorsed it in his address of 1 8 6 9 , in which he said:
^Swarthmore must not b e allowed to crystallize into a n ordinary h i g h school, but it must
ultimately (whether we of the present generation live to see it or n o t ) be supplied with
pupils well prepared in the rudimentary branches of knowledge by various academies and high
schools throughout the country, which will serve as feeders to it; and it must itself stand
476
out above them a l l , the crowning glory of our educational system, a shining goal, raising
the standard of all the lower schools, bidding them come up higher.
direct influence be felt by thousands, who never enter its walls.
Thus shall its inSwarthmore must come to
this, or utterly fail of its high intent."
Physical Sciences
The strong interest of Benjamin Hallowell and D r . Parrish in the physical sciences
prevented the pew college from conforming to the age-old curriculum of "Latin, Greek and
Mathematics", and caused it to include, in its ideal at least, all the sciences so well
characterized in President Parrish*s inauguration address.
Even for the preparatory
department, he outlined in his report of 1867 "a good common school education, besides
an acquaintance with the elements of the sciences of botany,.comparative anatomy, human
physiology, physics and chemistry, the Latin and French languages, and the practical
branches of mensuration and surveying."
For the college curriculum, his inauguration
address singled out mathematics, astronomy, natural history (including botany, zottlogy,
mineralogy, comparative anatomy, physiology and "kindred branches"), chemistry, physics,
and photography.
The Humanities
But the strong literary and humanitarian interests of Martha Tyson end others of
the founders, were shared by D r . Parrish and his colleagues, and the curriculum includ.ed
K
Greej^, Latin, French and German, geography, history and English literature (extending
"throughout our seven years' course"), intellectual and moral philosophy,
training.
and physical
It must be conceded that this ideal curriculum of the college was extensive and
well-balanced, except for the omission of some of the social sciences, such as the fine
arts, economics, politics and international relations, which the end of the century was to
Remand as essential in a modern, American college education.
Parrish appears to have been skeptical of the benefits of some forms of "philosophy" ,
for in a n article in 1868, he wrote: "The work of our day is to promote spiritualism
against materialism, which, in science, now takes the name of Positive Philosophy and
Psychology , and in the church the more orthodox form of Ritualism." On the other h a n d , he
so warmly commended in a public address in 1861, "Herbert Spencer's work" Ion Education?"?^
tha„ ais auditors started a. run on Philadelphia's book-stores for itj (See supra
ur^S^f
477
Physical Training
The stress laid on physical training hy the Quaker founders at so early an
era as 1860 is somewhat noteworthy.
While conceding the value of the "calisthenics"
and "light gymnastics" then so much in vogue, for counteracting the effects of excessive
confinement and exhausting study, D r . Parrish and his colleagues regarded as far
superior "healthful outdoor walking, running, swimming, skating ana playing, - the spontaneous exercise of the young in youthful sports."
They determined to acquire a campus
which should supply opportunities for these, and rejoiced in the superlative excellence
of Swarthmore! s campus for them.
At the same time, they endeavored from the first,: to
acquire a gymnasium which should supply facilities for exercise and games in stormy
weather; and the^physiology and hygiene.
Organized athletics, intra.-nrural and inter-
collegiate snorts, athletic fields, coaches, etc., were "beyond the means, if not the
vision, of the founders.
The Faculty
The first corps of instructors was wholly inadequate, of coiirse, for fulfilling
the curriculum outlined for the college.
For the first year, there was only one college
class (a small one), and the efforts of the instructors were concentrated chiefly upon
the p u p i l V y S the preparatory department.
They worked consciously and determinedly.how-
ever, to prepare these adequately for the college courses; and desperate efforts were made
from the first to procure a staff commensurate with the work which the college was determined to perform.
President Parrish failed to acquire the much-desired services of
Professor Maria Mitchell and Dr. Joseph Thomas; hut the instructors whom he did procure
were, on the whole, wisely selected.
PrffTi dont ra.rgioi^acted as professor of ^Ithic.s and
of (^hemistry and ^ptural ^cience; Principal Magill as professor of the Latin and French
^angusgesand ^literature; Clement L . Smith as professor of the Greek and German languages
and |iiteratures, and as ^ctinr professor of ^ t h e m a t i c s ; and Anna. Hpllowell as professor
$>f ^istory and English ^literature.
Six other women served as teachers of English ^ r a n c h e s ,
^athematics, penmanship and poteny, English ^anguage and ^literature and I^istory, jfoc&l
j,ulture and Reading, French and English ^ranches; these were Emily Hallowell, Susan J .
478
Cunningham, Susan 1 . Janr.ey, Maria L . Sa.nford, Elizabeth G. Macy, and Elizabeth W .
Cabeen.
Two other women (Virginia L .
Dolby
and Annie C. Green) w e r e ^ s s i s t a n t ye^chers;
.and Arm Preston, M.D. , Adrian G . Hbell, P h . B . and M.D., and J . A . Congdon were noilsident |(ecturers on physiology and^{ygiene, and ^fntural ^istory, and
res:
manship, respectively.
essor of pen-
In this sm&lljkorps of fifteen, almost all of whom were obliged
to occupy a settee^ rather than a professorial chair, it seems odd that penmanship was
supplied with both a "teacher" and a "professorj|iya^^^J«jisTr
art made by the mid-Victorians, Quaker and non-£fcs£ker alike, who prided themselves on a
>
JrL.,
neat and even "elegant" hand-writing. (Tae first college C a t a l o g u e * " a l s o rather proudly'
justified this emphasis by announcing that "the cultivation of the eye and hand by regular
and systematic training in penmanship, receives due attention under the direction of
teachers having that department exclusively in charge.".
Methods of Teaching
Although the tasks confided by the founders to the first professors appear to us
as impossibly multifarious end as demanding almost the encyclopaedic knowledge and
versatility of a Pico del1a. Mirandola, their ideals of methods of teaching were suprieing&
1$ up^the
vaunted standards of today. Laboratory work for the physical sciences was
regarded as a sine qua, non^ - as soon as laboratories could be procured. A n editorial,
probably by Dr. Parrish, in the Intelligencer for 1352 asserted th?t "the science of our
times cannot be taught by the crude systems which grew up before railroads or telegraphs,
$or can the minu be trained for the work of our wonderfully progressive age and country
by the unthinking process of memorizing facts."
Learning
was exalted from the very first over teaching.
"Mere telling is not
teaching", said the Report of 1854; "learning and thinking are far more important.
The
mind's ability to aid itself in the acquisition of knowledge is the great end at which a
judicious instructor will aim.
It may be emphatically asserted that every individual who
is dducated at all is self-educated.
His teachers, like his dictionary and other books,
are merel" aids to his own efforts." The lecture-system was to be accompanied, therefore,
479
"by "conversation " upon all the subjects embraced in the plan of education; and the
lecturers' assistants were to emphasize and elucidate the lectures by class discussion
and individual examinations.
D r . Parrish deprecated the "forcing-system now £l360^Jso common in our city
schools", as disastrous to health of both bod;'" and m i n d , and advocated a "moderate " p a c e .
In his R e p o r t of 1865, he applied this to the preparatory department as well as to the
5
college, and said: "We believe th' 1 no greater error grows out of the ambition of parents
and teachers to produce the appearance of an extended education, without its reality, than
the crowding of a multiplicity of different studies upon the immature mind."
This system
of cramming the. young with what they cannot assimilate and must soon forget, he insisted^
must be supplanted by a training which should, not so much furnish the mind with stores of
knowledge as would develop its powers and form habits of thought thrt would render the
knowledge afterwards acquired subservient to its best and highest u s e s .
Professor Magill, in his address of June, 1869, promised that it would ever be
the aim of the faculty to stress things, rather than words ill understood, and. to impart
sound knowledge which would contribute to mental and moral growth, rather than to make a
vain show of a given number of pages or volumes mastered..
He rejected the theory that
teaching should be done without books, but admitted that
ooks may be made a hindrance
where they should be made a help, and that very often they are the letter which killeth
in the hands of teachers destitute of that spirit which raaketh alive.
On the other h a n d ,
while admitting that special training is necessary for success in every-<3ay life and for
increasing the sum of human knowledge, he pointed to the danger that it might narrow and
cramp the mind for the sake of an abnormal development in a single direction, and argued
that a generous and liberal culture must precede special training, if the mind is to be
harmoniously developed instead of becoming a mere machine.
Parents in those days felt that even text-books should not be supplied at their expense,
lb' especially if the college required subjects which they considered impractical; and D r .
Magill amusingly describes in his autobiography the method, of distributing and reclaiming books which was adopted during the brief period when free text-books were in vogue
at Swarthmore. (Supra, p .
)
480
Mind the Light
Underlying all the specific methods of teaching which the founders advocated and
throughout every phase of college life, was their insistence that "influences and not
precepts educate the child."
Hence their constant injunction to teachers and students
alike w a s , "Mind the Light".
This light cones to every one, they were convinced, from a
divine source,
with it the infallible guidance of divine Truth.
"Truth for
authority, not authority for truth", was the watchword often uttered by Lucretia M o t t .
The continued effort of Swarthmore, said Benjamin Hallowell, must be "to impart Truth,
and not teach for doctrines the coimnandments of men." Light, ever more Light; Truth,
V aAmXV
divine Truth: such are the\loyaltias which its founders would have Swarthmore emblazon
/
u.
*j^pon its seal and impress upon its heart; for they firmly believed that out/a heart so
guided and inspired must come all the successful issues of sdwclife.
A v e et Vale
Having reviewed the story of the origin, founding, building and opening of
L\f
Swarthmore College, we of this generation may grateful^concede to the m e n and women of
the 1850's and 1860's that they builded better than they k n e w .
Their difficulties appear-
±s
ed to them immense, their weakness^ seemed deplorable, a n d their failures manifold.
But
the strength upon which they chiefly relied was Infinite, and the portion of it vouchsafed to them was sufficient to enable them to overcome their difficulties, buttress their
weaknesses, and make even their failures contribute to success.
Four score years later,
in this different age, we dedicate ourselves anew to carrying on the task they bequeathed
u s , trusting in that same Infinite source of strength and light and guidance.
we bid a fervent Hail and F-rewell.
To them
flJMfr
S?'
m
rlt. ' •
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' •* •fflMB Mfiav. sSEs.
casm
' •* 1
WILLIAM I. HULL
'
—
%••
H I S T O R Y OF
SWARTHMORE
COLLEGE
VOL, 1